This article criticizes the use of translation from English into French as a method of teaching French, and proposes alternative methods, including a variation on the language experience approach. (CLK)

In Luxembourg, children learn to read in two languages beyond their native Luxemburgish. Beginning in the first grade, children start on German, and in second grade, they begin the study of French and continue to study the two languages intensively throughout the elementary school years. How do elementary school teachers approach such a formidable…

Learning centers should be considered a fundamental strategy in the instruction of language skills, functioning more in the mainstream of the language arts curriculum than on the periphery. In view of the fact that language is founded on thought that is derived from the learner's experience, learning centers provide a language experience approach,…

When the author's family spent a year in Germany, two of the children attended German schools, where they were forced to learn German for all communication. On the basis of that experience, it is suggested that classrooms employ situations similar to total immersion in language teaching. Teaching and learning for communication depend on three…

In teaching reading, teachers should understand the three categories of language information which all readers draw upon in the processing of information. These three categories are (1) grapho-phonic, the information from the writing system and from the phonological system of oral language; (2) syntactic information, the information from…

Children improve little in writing as a result of prescribed exercises in language mechanics. Skills in the use of language mechanics can be acquired effectively when the application is made to personal experiences and authentic reasons for writing, that is, the language-experience approach. (Author)

Described is how the utilization of the science classroom for the development of language skills, particularly in the area of writing. Suggested activities include crossword puzzles, poetry, puppet shows, comic books and letter writing. (Author/DS)

Described is a science and language arts activity which involves students writing books about topics of classroom discussion. The information for these books was compiled from encyclopedias, magazines, and personal observation. Grammar skills were emphasized along with scientific content. Students' books were placed in a class library for student…

Language activities based on connectivity, or social links between people and their experiences, can create a sense of history and belonging in a classroom community and can establish the foundation for educational curriculum. Levels of connectivity and their impact on educational curriculum are examined through a classroom example of…

A study was conducted to observe and describe two reading instruction procedures stemming from two different theoretical influences. Two teachers, one skills and one whole language oriented, were selected on the basis of peer and administrator recommendation, among other qualifications. Their stated instructional base and theoretical orientations…

Noting that a gap exists between desired and actual literacy levels in the United States, this paper argues that the issue of literacy should be addressed holistically. Proposing that the communication skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking are integrated and support each other, the paper reviews research indicating the…

This book contains more than 250 language-experience activities, designed for use in classrooms where individualized programs require a variety of materials and a wide range of learning tasks. Intended for use as a resource text for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as for inservice teachers at the elementary level, the book provides…

This report describes a project that used children's literature to introduce 6- and 7-year-old children (n=25) in the United States to other languages to arouse their interest in finding out more about language. Most of the children were monolingual and spoke English; two boys spoke some Spanish. The study was conducted to see if young children's…

Described in this manual are numerous skills-based oral language activities for Head Start and kindergarten children and for students in first through sixth grades. Activities are sequentially organized at four levels; all levels include activities in the areas of auditory discrimination, auditory memory, communication, syntax, description, and…