Eight years ago I began this regular feature where I share a few posts and resources from around the Web related to ESL/EFL or to language in general that have caught my attention.

You might also be interested in all my Best lists on teaching ELLs.

Also, check out A Collection Of My Best Resources On Teaching English Language Learners.

In addition, look for our latest book on teaching ELLs, The ELL Teacher’s Toolbox 2.0.

Here are this week’s choices:

Connections Unlimited provides unlimited versions of the Connections game, which is great for ELLs (see NY Times Unveils “Connections,” An Online Game That’s Great For ELLs).

This Edutopia video provides a good explanation of one of my favorite classroom games, which is also likely one of just about every ELL teacher’s favorite games – Running Dictation, also known as Messenger and Scribe. I’m adding it to The Best Ideas For Using Games In The ESL/EFL/ELL Classroom:

Odd one out is a post about using AI with ELLs.

I think fewer & fewer teachers are using Duolingo these days because of other options, and I suspect this attitude is going to accelerate that trend

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— Larry Ferlazzo (@larryferlazzo.bsky.social) May 20, 2025 at 9:10 AM

12 Fun Speaking Games for Language Learners is from Edutopia. I’m adding it to The Best Ideas For Using Games In The ESL/EFL/ELL Classroom.

Immigrants learn English for free at California colleges. Under Trump, some are skipping class is from CalMatters.

Some New York City educators said they’re still working hard to convince fearful immigrant students to come to school in person. @Chalkbeat

Some NY schools turn to virtual learning as Trump deportation fears keep immigrant students homehttps://t.co/HvBK7qjPb4

— MindShift (@MindShiftKQED) May 20, 2025

apnews.com/article/tps-… They crossed the border for better schools. Now, some families are leaving the US

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— Larry Ferlazzo (@larryferlazzo.bsky.social) May 21, 2025 at 4:00 AM

Untangling Fact from Fiction in Trump’s Call to Defund English Learner Education is from New America.

Strategic and Economic Analysis of English Learner Programs in California Project Brief is from West Ed.

Unlocking Potential: A New Narrative For Multilingual Learners is from Californians Together.

I’m adding NAELPA Position Statement Regarding Converting ESSA Funds to Block Grants to The Best Resources On Recent Trump Administration Moves On ELL Policies.