Alberta's guide to English as a second language (ESL) instruction in the elementary schools is designed as a supplement to the general elementary language arts curriculum guide. It provides guidelines for programming that gives ESL students opportunities to learn English. It contains: (1) an orientation section on the nature of culture; (2) a discussion of the challenges and rewards of having ESL students in the regular classroom, and of meeting the parents of ESL students; (3) a discussion of meeting the ESL student's needs through the application of research findings to teaching ESL (the role of the language learning environment); (4) levels of student response; (5) suggestions for accommodating different learning styles, and meeting the needs of students with limited native-language development experiences; (6) an examination of the dimensions of language (the nature of language, components of communication, and the integration of the different language skills) and their instructional implications; (7) ten sample lessons using the language experience approach; (8) a section on planning for content area learning, with sample units; (9) a discussion of placement, diagnostic, and standardized testing and reporting; (10) suggestions for extending and enriching ESL instruction using paraprofessionals, tutoring, and listening activities; (11) and suggested resources for language and concept development and for professional development. Supplementary materials are appended. (MSE)