This book is based on a large collection of material gathered over two years (1969-71) as part of the Schools Council Project on Language Development in the Primary School. It gives priority to the discussion of student-produced materials in primary schools, and its primary aim is to select for attention the more promising ways in which language is involved in learning. It also discusses the "best current practices" in language instruction and examines the role of the teacher in fostering language development. The relationship between the language of the school and that of the community is stressed, controversial issues are explored, and, where appropriate, relevant theoretical bases are examined. Chapters include "The Context of the School Situation,""Talking,""Writing,""Some Comments on Learning to Read and the Encounter with the Printed Word,""In Search of Drama: More Questions than Answers," and "Other Issues." The book opens with a preface by James Britton, contains endnotes which explain in greater detail some concepts touched on in the text, and concludes with an index. (RB)