GrapeSEED Teacher Testimonial

I love this quote from writer, speaker, and coach Todd Stocker: “I wanted to figure out why I was so busy, but I couldn’t find the time to do it.” It’s true that in educators’ worlds today, everyone is busier than ever! Even when we aren’t in the classroom, at a staff meeting, or out in the community, we’re still always ‘on.’ That’s why we were thrilled when twenty-two-year veteran ELL teacher, Brooke Mindnich, from Eatontown, NJ made time to share about her experience with the GrapeSEED curriculum.

Take a look:

“As far as oral language development programs go, GrapeSEED is the best I have experienced in my 22 years teaching in the U.S. public schools. I use GrapeSEED with my beginner and intermediate multilingual kindergarten and first grade students. They are engaged throughout each lesson with movement, songs, stories, poems, and chants that are infused with the target vocabulary and language patterns for each unit. The subsequent unit builds on the prior unit creating continued complexity with just the right balance of comprehensible input and challenge. "Hats off"   to the writers and creators of the materials. They have done a phenomenal job. Their organized approach to repetition is genius. Capitalizing on the natural approach to language acquisition, my students are taken by surprise and thrilled when suddenly they are recognizing words and phrases in their mainstream classes and activities that they have been exposed to in their GrapeSEED lessons. They begin to make connections and feel successful due to GrapeSEED's communicative approach and a carefully organized functional-notional framework. Daily repetition of phonograms, listening to sounds in words, and concepts of print are key parts of each lesson which reinforce content taught in the mainstream class and support the science of reading as students build literacy. My students are excited about our lessons and look forward to each new unit. They enjoy the challenge and are filled with a sense of accomplishment when they move into memory mode (can sing and recite the stories by memory).

As a teacher, I am motivated to learn and present the materials in each new unit with confidence. I feel GrapeSEED is truly invested in their philosophy and are committed to maintaining the integrity of their program and approach to language learning.  They do this by providing each teacher with a GrapeSEED coach who is always on call and available to troubleshoot and share experience and ideas. There are a multitude of professional development videos available, and I truly enjoy the GrapeSEED Official Podcast which goes over teaching techniques, specific units, and a plethora of topics to keep me inspired and my lessons fresh.

Since I have started using GrapeSEED 2 years ago in grades K-1, I always feel as though my lessons are effective. There is not a wasted moment. I am using a program backed by research & science and scripted to make the most of each component as I move from lessons 1 to 30 slowly releasing the support and allowing the students to apply what they have learned. The digital content available to project on my SmartBoard is key and keeps the lessons moving along at an efficient pace. I do not have to spend precious teacher time organizing materials and lesson plans. It is all done for me. I review the lessons, highlight questions and interactions, and pull any props I may need to keep the lessons tangible for the students. We have fun and I get  A LOT of exercise and so do the students. It is a healthy, stimulating approach to learning.

I am truly grateful to have this program and the support provided to teach our multilingual learners in Eatontown, New Jersey.” -Brooke Mindnich

We’re grateful to Brooke, and to all GrapeSEED teachers and students for making the most of the GrapeSEED curriculum. Are you ready to get your English Language Learner teachers and students started with GrapeSEED? Just click here.

Ready, Set, Grow! A New Year with LittleSEED & GrapeSEED

August 17, 2026
The first few weeks of school have always mattered, but this year they may be more important than ever!
#BackToSchool2026 #ClassroomCommunity #StudentBelonging #SEL #DifferentiatedInstruction #StudentEnga

Starting the School Year Strong: Building Community, Confidence, and Connection

August 3, 2026
The first few weeks of school have always mattered, but this year they may be more important than ever!

Crayons, Confidence & Kindergarten: Getting Your Young Students Ready!

May 25, 2026
Kindergarten is a big step in a child’s learning journey. It’s a time of exciting growth, discovery, and new routines. For families and educators of PreK and Young 5s children—including multilingual learners—preparing for this transition can help set the stage for a confident and joyful start to school. What Does “Kindergarten Ready” Mean? Kindergarten readiness is more than knowing letters and numbers. It includes a wide range of skills that help children feel safe, connected, and capable in a classroom environment. These skills include: Social & Emotional Skills : Can your child follow directions, express emotions, take turns, and ask for help? Language & Communication : Are they comfortable speaking and listening, even in their home language? Early Literacy & Math : Can they recognize some letters, numbers, and perhaps write their name? Motor Skills : Can they hold a pencil, use scissors, and manage clothing zippers or buttons? Supporting Multilingual Learners Children who speak more than one language bring unique strengths to the classroom! Here’s how we can support them: Honor Their Home Language : Encourage families to keep speaking and reading in their home language. A strong foundation in one language supports learning in English. Build Vocabulary : Use real-life experiences—grocery shopping, playing at the park, cooking—to teach and repeat new words in both languages. Create a Welcoming Environment : Use visuals, gestures, and routines that help all children understand and participate.  Simple Ways to Prepare at Home Read Daily : Share books in any language. Talk about the pictures and ask questions. Practice Routines : Try morning and bedtime routines similar to what they’ll experience in kindergarten. Talk Often : Describe what you’re doing, ask open-ended questions, and give your child time to respond. Play Together : Board games, pretend play, puzzles, and outdoor play build thinking and social skills. A Partnership Between Home and School Kindergarten readiness is a team effort. When teachers and families work together—especially in support of multilingual learners—children gain the confidence to thrive. Each child develops at their own pace, and readiness is not about perfection, but progress. Let’s celebrate every small step on the path to kindergarten! At GrapeSEED, we’re all about supporting children as they develop and prepare for their own next steps in their education journeys. Learn more about us by clicking here and consider getting started today!

English in Motion: Engaging Multilingual Learners with TPR

May 4, 2026
For teachers of multilingual learners, one of the most powerful tools for teaching English is something you already use every day: your body! Movement and physicality can unlock understanding and make language memorable for learners. One highly effective approach is Total Physical Response (TPR) , a method developed by Dr. James Asher that connects language with physical actions. What is Total Physical Response (TPR)? TPR is a teaching method where teachers give commands in English and students respond with physical actions. For example, when you say, "Stand up" or "Open the book," learners act it out. This approach mirrors how children learn their first language—through listening and doing before speaking. Discover how using movement and physical actions can make English come alive for multilingual learners. This short guide shows you how Total Physical Response (TPR) builds confidence, comprehension, and classroom energy—without needing any extra materials Why Use TPR? Supports comprehension : Physical actions give students visual and kinesthetic clues to understand meaning. Reduces stress : There’s no pressure to speak right away. Learners can participate by simply listening and moving. Builds memory : The body helps the brain remember. Actions anchor vocabulary and structures in long-term memory. Engages learners : Movement keeps energy high and focuses attention, especially with younger students or those new to English. Discover how using movement and physical actions can make English come alive for multilingual learners. This short guide shows you how Total Physical Response (TPR) builds confidence, comprehension, and classroom energy—without needing any extra materials. How to Use TPR in the Classroom Start simple : Begin with everyday commands—sit down, stand up, raise your hand, touch your nose. Demonstrate each one clearly. Repeat and vary : Use repetition but change the order or speed to keep it fun. Add new vocabulary : Introduce verbs, classroom objects, or actions related to topics—run, jump, draw, point to the window. Involve students : Let them give commands once they’re ready. This encourages speaking without pressure. Use it across subjects : Combine TPR with songs, stories, or content lessons like science and math to support language across the curriculum. Movement is not just a break from learning—it is learning. When student teachers use TPR and physicality in English instruction, they make language come alive. Whether you're teaching young learners or newcomers of any age, using your body to teach builds confidence, comprehension, and connection. So next time you plan a lesson, don’t just say it— show it, move it, and live it . GrapeSEED’s Daily Lesson Plans each include movement called “Action Activities”. Learn more about these Action Activities, our other components, and how to get started with GrapeSEED in your classroom !
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