More information about strategies you can use with those who are not literate in their first language will be discussed in Additional Resources: ESL Literacy. If you are looking for samples of specific lesson plans for your learner, take a look at Hands On! A Collection of ESL Literacy Activities.⁸

2. Gender

Whether the learner is male or female can also make a difference. Sometimes, a female learner will need extra support, especially if she is originally from a culture that sees education as a "male pursuit."

3. FamilyRelationships

Learners with children or partners will have many other tasks to accomplish. This may seemingly "interfere" with your sessions when, for example, a session needs to be cut short because your learner needs to run errands or cancel because a child is sick.

Recognize that cutting a session short doesn't indicate a lack of commitment. Learners are often subjected to events beyond their control and may not have the family support that you are accustomed to in difficult situations. Newcomers may have limited means (i.e. for babysitters) and few friends they can go to for assistance.

We must also recognize that settlement can cause problems in family relationships. For example, children of immigrants may adopt portions of the new culture that make parents uncomfortable. This could lead to tension. Parents may feel that they are not in a position of authority and have little power to influence their children.

More information regarding this will be discussed in Session 2: Culture and Communication.

4. Work and Energy Issues

Just as caring for children can drain adult learners, so too can work. Your learner may have a job during the day or may be seeking employment, which can be emotionally and physically draining.

Acknowledge that your learner's time is valuable by coming to the session with a lesson plan and materials that are relevant to her life. You may also want to remind her that you are here to help her improve her skills and this does not have to be done using traditional teaching materials. Helping your learner fill out income tax forms or read a power bill could be important lessons that would promote skill development.

Learning a second language takes a lot of energy. Ensure that the learner gets breaks whenever necessary. Consider planning lessons that alternate exercises that require a lot of energy with exercises that are more relaxing.

⁸ Kathy Burnett, Hands On! A Collection of ESL Literacy Activities. (Halifax, Nova Scotia: Halifax Immigrant Learning Centre, 1999.)