Foreign Language Exploratory or Foreign Language Experience (FLEX) programs offer one approach to initiating foreign language instruction for children. One survey reported that 41 percent of United States elementary schools offering language instruction had FLEX programs. Statistics on FLEX programs in middle schools are unavailable. Most FLEX programs aim simply to give students a foundation for foreign language study, and may help students decide which language to study later and boost school system language enrollment. Cultural awareness is often included. Programs offer frequent, regular classes in a short period or short, less regular classes over a longer period, and are usually not part of a sequence. Courses may be taught by itinerant language teachers or regular classroom teachers. Four broad FLEX program types include general language courses teaching basic linguistic concepts, language potpourri or world language study courses sampling different languages, single language offerings with limited introductory exposure, and a combination of general and language potpourri offerings. Four program models include those of the Provo City (Utah) School District, Twin Falls (Idaho) School District 411, Prince George's County School District (Maryland), and Lovett School (Atlanta, Georgia). Information sources and a list of additional resources are provided. Contains six references and eight resources. (MSE)