What is the first step a teacher should take when addressing a second-grade English learner's difficulty with English sounds?

The correct approach involves comparing the student's home language with English to identify phoneme presence. This step is crucial because it allows the teacher to understand the specific sounds that the student may struggle with due to language transfer issues. Many English learners might not have certain phonemes in their native language, making it challenging for them to distinguish and produce those sounds in English. By analyzing the phonetic structure and sound system of both languages, the teacher can tailor instruction to target those specific areas of difficulty, facilitating a smoother learning process.

This comparison lays a foundation for effective phonics instruction, as it identifies the gaps in the student's phonemic awareness and helps create a baseline from which the teacher can build further support. Understanding these nuances is essential for developing strategies that are not only effective but also sensitive to the learner's linguistic background.