This booklet, based on a nationwide study of elementary school foreign language programs, addresses the following topics: (1) why students should learn a foreign language; (2) information that may help persons select and initiate a specific type of program; and (3) a detailed description of three elementary school approaches used in the country today, total and partial immersion, revitalized foreign language in the elementary school (FLES), and foreign language experience (FLEX). The goals, advantages, and methods of each of these programs are discussed, as well as the planning involved, finding the right teachers and materials, financing, articulation with secondary school programs, and evaluation of results. Elaboration of insights into each of the programs is based on observation and input from programs that were studied in the nationwide study, and examples are drawn from these programs. Learning activities for use within the classroom, and language and cultural experiences outside the classroom that will enable the children to use the foreign language are described. An appendix provides a listing and description in table-format of immersion and partial immersion, FLES, and FLEX programs in U.S. elementary schools. A selected bibliography of curriculum guides, texts, classroom ideas, and program descriptions is also included. (AMH)