Children's speech styles vary considerably, ranging along a continuum from formal to informal, in the various educational and social settings they encounter in school. Teachers who see their role as preparing children to fill social roles will be aware of the speech styles that children use and will accept varying speech styles as appropriate to varying settings. In operating classrooms so that children can develop and use a repertoire of speech styles, teachers should realize that different classroom situations promote different speech styles ranging from intimate to casual to consultative and finally to formal. They should be aware that speech style is also influenced by group size, which may range from dyadic situations to large groups; by the relationship between children, which ranges from intimate to formal; by the distance between speaker and listener; and by the subject matter being taught. By adapting instructional settings and activities in accordance with the various factors affecting speech styles, teachers can create realistic situations that promote appropriate speech. (GT)