Teacher Talk

Learning a new language can be pretty scary.  One of the biggest struggles that I feel my students have is often worrying about pronunciation or feeling silly and embarrassed if they say something wrong.  As a teacher, it is important to me that each student feels comfortable while learning a new language.  It is essential to making real progress!  Creating an environment where it is ok for them to mess up, and gently be corrected is also important. When learners feel relaxed and supported, they’re more likely to take risks, practice out loud, and make the mistakes that lead to growth. Pronunciation is a key part of communication; even with a strong vocabulary, unclear pronunciation can make it hard to be understood. Focusing on pronunciation early helps build confidence and reduces misunderstandings. It also improves listening skills, since recognizing sounds goes hand-in-hand with producing them. By creating a safe, encouraging learning environment, students are more likely to speak up, listen actively, and develop strong language skills over time.