Fires: Chapter 8 - Teaching Teenagers Who Are Still Learning English

This chapter focuses on students who may not be fluent in English, where it is their second language. The chapter explained how some students are uncomfortable with their English Language abilities and get frustrated when speaking to other students because they may laugh and just not understand them. Although speaking to other students may be the best way to learn the language in the first place. This is where the teacher needs to create an inviting environment where everyone is helpful of these students who are still on a path to learning. I saw all the ways a teacher should treat a student learning English similar to how the book has been telling how to treat students in general. A teacher needs to be patient with them, leave room for revision, and be there to encourage and help them.

One thing as a teacher that I do not want to do is discourage a student that is learning the language. One student explained how a teacher helped them to write their answers down, but at the same time gave him all the answers. I don't want to do that, I want to find another way for the student to complete the assignment without simply giving them the answer. That can be a slap in the face to the student where you are basically saying they can't do it themselves. Students learning English should be treated like any other student, they just may need a little more guidance than others.