Others find themselves in foster and group homes. Teachers must be sensitive to their needs and not contribute to the downward spiral of their self-esteem. This can be achieved through constructivist principles and the arts, which encourage students to interpret and create impressions they have of their world. A positive learning environment must be promoted which welcomes them including any knowledge and language they bring with them. Teachers are here to serve their students' needs, not their own.
Authorship is one way in which students can transform their lives.
Self-authored books can empower students to not only do the obvious, read and write, but to encourage them to vocalize their personal experiences. By becoming protagonists in their stories, they can write and reflect upon their actions. The students will be excited to be recognized in the classroom curriculum. The print-rich environment can be created by them through a variety of genres of literature and book forms. These books can be presented at school book fairs which could serve to bring the community together.