This paper presents seven signs or abilities that delineate a successful speller: a systematic method of approach to words, use of adequate methods of learning new words, mastery of the most common words, independence in using the dictionary, consciousness of word construction, use of a linguistic approach to regular and irregular spellings, and…

Three reputed advantages of using a letter-combination (LC) approach, as opposed to a grapheme-unit (GU) approach for initial word-attack and spelling instruction are critically analyzed. While LC reduces the number of elements per word, it also reduces the number of words that can be generated. LC eliminates distortion in the final…

Developed by the Oregon Elementary English Project, these two sections are part of a unit on words. The first section, consisting of 5 lessons, aims to make the student aware of (1) words as an integral part of the language and (2) the tremendous number of words he already knows and can use. The second section, "What We Know about…

This working paper presents a twelve-part paridigm for testing the level of concept attainment in language arts. Items were selected for three topics: words, words in sentences, and connected discourse. Within each topic concepts presented in the middle elementary grades were identified, and ten concepts were randomly selected for each topic. Each…

The procedures used to develop a list of concepts taught in fourth-grade language arts are described. Thirty concepts from the list were randomly sampled and then analyzed. Analysis consisted of listing examples and non-examples, relevant and irrelevant attributes, subordinates and supraordinates, and a definition and principle for each concept.…

To help children develop a concept of "words," this document introduces parallels from languages other than English so that children, especially those learning English as a second language, can become aware of similarities across languages and recognize links between their first language and English. Answers to questions often asked by…

A sampling of over 100 ideas submitted by elementary school teachers at the Idea Exchange at the annual meetings of the National Council of Teachers of English are contained in this collection of teaching tips. The first chapter, "Getting to Know Each Other," includes games to help students learn each other's names, directions for making a…

This teacher's manual is a guide for the lessons in the student's workbook, "Lenguaje." General objectives are given for each unit as well as specific objectives for each lesson. The detailed lesson plans are presented under four headings: (1) "Motivacion," (2) "Actividades de aprendizaje," (3) "Comprobacion," and (4) "Medios auciliares." (AMH)

The activities presented in this book, designed to help children translate their thoughts into spoken and written words, can supplement an elementary teacher's own language arts lessons. Objectives for each activity are listed, with the general focus of the many oral activities being to develop a rich verbal background for future written work. The…

Divided according to grade level, the objectives in this elementary school language arts curriculum guide cover such categories and strands as reading readiness, word analysis, obtaining information, studying, listening, written expression, speaking, literature, and linguistics. Each objective in the guide is coded for the narrower subskills…

A Spanish language workbook built around the theme of living together is presented here. It contains two units, "Companerismo" and "Cualidades humanizantes," and a total of five lessons. Lessons one and two of Unit One, "Ayudemonos" and "Mi amigo, mi hermano" present a passage for reading comprehension, various types of comprehension exercises…

After a brief review of some of the literature in the teaching of language arts skills to disadvantaged children, suggestions for classroom activities are offered that lead to the following objectives: (1) Listening Skills--to develop the ability to perceive words, comprehend oral language, and evaluate information presented; (2) Oral Skills--to…