Elementary teachers Fay and Whaley share anecdotes of how carefully listening to English language learners read--and discussing with them their errors and confusions--helps teachers better analyze such students' true language and reading abilities. They discuss the importance of spending time talking individually with each child learning to read in English. Teachers should select carefully which reading errors to point out, and teach broad comprehension strategies that will help students navigate many different kinds of texts. Fay and Whaley caution teachers against plunging into teaching a concept based on quick assumptions about what a student does or doesn't understand. Clear up miscommunications first, then teach.