Born in Chicago, Illinois in the United States, Mr. Villarreal has over 20 years’ experience working with English learners. Mr. Villarreal is a native Spanish speaker who speaks English as a second language. Growing up he struggled learning English but over time learned how to master it and wants students to understand how to learn English the right way:
Don’t Forget Your Native Language
“Children can learn English alongside their native language. It is important for children to develop their home language and be able to listen, speak, read and write it with age appropriate comprehension. Learning the home language first will help children learn English more easily at school.”
Speaking Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Understanding
“If children speak English well their parents may think they can always understand what’s happening in a classroom; that’s not always true. As a student grows in age and ability so does the need to grow how a student will listen, speak, read and write in academic situations. Speaking English in a social setting is different than in an academic setting. Some words in English are similar in many situations, but they also have differences. For example, using the word “volume” in math class has a slightly different meaning than in art class. Knowing how to understand and recognize these differences is an important skill because social and academic experiences will help grow a student’s English language ability.”
Use It In The Real World
“The Internet has connected countries throughout the world. English is now the universal language for global communication. It is important for students today to learn how to communicate using appropriate English vocabulary and grammar as well as how to apply it to real-world situations. Learning how to apply it requires building the right skills for listening, speaking, reading and writing the English language for global communication, for exams, for university, for work and for participating in creating and sharing information as great listeners, speakers, readers and writers.”
Be a Lifelong Learner
“Learning English as a second language is not always easy and it requires a lifelong commitment to learning it correctly. It helps when a student has a positive attitude and the determination to master the English language. MUIDS’ teachers are explicitly teaching students how to listen, speak, read and write Academic English so that they can use these skills during their university education, their career, and throughout their lives.”