A teacher should encourage self-expression, especially in kindergarten and primary students, by creating a sympathetic, free atmosphere in which a student can state in oral or written form his own thoughts in his own way. Self-expression in a student can be developed through his telling about himself, making up stories about pictures, or taking part in word games. If a teacher chooses topics that interest the class, free expression will follow. In all of these activities, the aim is to increase the child's powers of observation and his ability to clarify ideas through analogy. Providing ample practice in oral communication, the teacher is able to increase the student's vocabulary and his confidence in expressing himself. By giving encouragement and showing interest in what is written or composed orally, the teacher can assist the child in developing fluency of expression and an interest in words, while maintaining the freshness and excitement the child experiences when his work is appreciated. If begun in infant grades and developed through primary classes, this teaching approach will produce fluent and interested students at the secondary level. (LH)