The methods for teaching language arts presented in this book are based on the premises that creative problem solving is the key motivation to the mastery of language and that when teachers and children work at mastering communication skills through solving problems creatively, they use basic mental skills--attentiveness, fact recall--or skills of associative, inferential, creative, and critical thinking. The first part emphasizes developmental bases of language, thought, and listening; the second part centers on oral language and the use of language, including literature for children; and the third part deals with children's imaginative composition and modern perspectives on the subskills of writing (punctuation, spelling, handwriting, grammar, and usage). The last chapter focuses on assessment and accountability. (JM)