The language experience approach to teaching beginning reading uses a child's own language and experiences as the basis for the first reading material or lessons. The approach integrates the language arts skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The steps suggested for a teacher to follow in utilizing this approach are: (1) oral…

An experience approach to composition for intermediate or better students is detailed. It utilizes students' own interests and knowledge, prepares them for writing, makes transitions from oral to written English and encourages individual purposes in writing. Weaknesses of controlled composition are mentioned. (SCC)

Suggests a variety of class activities using word banks. (MKM)

Increasingly, music teachers are being asked to join forces with their fellow teachers to devise interdisciplinary approaches to learning. Presented are suggestions for using music to teach basic listening and language skills at the preschool and early elementary levels. (Author/RK)

Recommendations of an official report have generated a new consciousness in British schools of the importance of language in education. (Author/DS)

When a child uses his words and his ideas in learning to read, he also assists in the normal integration of his personality. Starting with a method of language experience developed by Sylvia Ashton-Warner, the author, a reading consultant, describes a language experience-reading program which utilizes the student's own curiosity and interests. (RK)

Reports on some of the advantages--language creativity, applied phonics, and integrated skills--for the South African Indian children learning to read and write with the Language Experience Approach. (MB)

Reports findings of a study demonstrating that language experience techniques can help students comprehend math story problems and successfully apply the mathematical concepts necessary for their solution. (FL)

Argues that using the adult learner's needs and interests to choose individual reading material makes better sense than using inappropriate workbooks and other commercial literacy materials, and offers six criteria for evaluating materials. (HOD)

As part of a Title III Elementary and Secondary Education Act project, the West Jackson School converted its gymnasium for use as a resource center. (NQ)

"An Investigation of First-Grade Spelling Achievement by Ronald L. Cramer also appears in this issue, pp. 230-37. (RD)

Teachers of reading must fully appreciate the two concepts of reading: (1) a skill acquired only through formal reading instruction, and (2) the result of a natural emergence of language development. (Author/MB)