Second language learners face countless obstacles in the classroom, including communication and comprehension limitations and difficulty building relationships with peers. Many teachers struggle to build an inclusive classroom environment and ensure all students, especially those with linguistic and other learning disadvantages, are learning. This…

Describes how to use word processing with first graders in lessons exploring oral and written language via the computer. Suggests ways to use the language experience approach in whole-class as well as small-group instruction. (SR)

Details educational procedures basic to Title VII Academic Excellence Project P.I.A.G.E.T. (Promoting Intellectual Adaptation Given Experimental Transforming), a model disseminated nationally to agencies serving young culturally and linguistically diverse children. Notes that the procedures critical to the program's success were…

Considers approaches to English-as-a-second-language instruction that utilize or encourage the use of story-telling to help participants share and grow, and use language, beyond the limits of pre-set, traditional curriculum. (Author/CB)

A second grade teacher's use of storytelling to teach English language skills to both native speakers and learners of English as a second language (ESL) is described. The technique combines the concept of comprehensible input, the importance of stories and storytelling to children, and a commitment to teaching writing skills. Early in the day, all…

Examines the relationship between story-telling and children's construction of meaning. Includes transcripts of children's discussions of a story involving Vietnamese refugee children. Maintains that children, especially when given encouraging contexts, can construct and discover meaningful insights. Discusses the role of the teacher in this…