Intended for administrators and policymakers as well as teachers, this digest explores the nature of vocabulary and its implications for classroom instruction. After defining vocabulary and discussing some of the sources of English vocabulary, the digest examines how children's vocabularies develop. It then discusses the role of vocabulary…

THIS STUDY COMPARED THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TWO METHODS OF ACQUISITION OF GRAMMAR BY CHILDREN. SPEECH DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN EXPOSED TO "EXPANSION" (REPEATING NEAREST COMPLETE SENTENCE APPROPRIATE TO CHILD'S PARTIAL STATEMENT) AND "MODELING" (EXPOSURE TO WELL FORMED SENTENCES) WERE COMPARED TO SPEECH DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN WHO…

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nature and frequency of speech in two classrooms of New York City kindergartners. Specifically, study of the 52 ethnically and socioeconomically varied youngsters attempted to discover whether: (1) more language was used in some activities than in others, (2) more mature speech was used in some…

A rationale for language intervention is outlined according to two basic dimensions (increased output and knowledge of language) and their respective strategies (operant procedures and a psycholinguistic model). Thus, behavior modification and transformational grammar are viewed as complementary for an efficient language intervention program. The…

Designed to help secondary school students understand and become able to use the "language" of the scientist, which the author defines as including both vocabulary and thought processes and laboratory procedures, this book attempts to show that the reporting of scientific investigations has both a manageable pattern and a structure.…

Originating from a study group at the Dartmouth Seminar entitled "How Does a Child Learn English?" these four papers agree that all psychologically normal children come to school already highly proficient in operating a wide range of language structure. The first paper synthesizes some theories regarding language acquisition and…

The roots and development of the Spanish language are outlined, and Columbus' discovery of Puerto Rico and meetings with the Indian inhabitants are described. Mixed with the native language and spoken by the native people, it has evolved into the rich idiom spoken in Puerto Rico today. (Text is in Spanish.) (CHK)

A regular continuing program of creative drama can provide children with many opportunities for growth in knowledge of language. (Author/JB)

Shows how children's use of explicit oral language is related to success in learning to read and writing. Outlines a technique to teach the use of explicit language through dramatic play. (HTH)

Preschool children with autism (n=9) and their normally developing peers (n=9) were compared before and after one school year. The autistic children had narrowed the gap after treatment--making a nearly 19-point increase in intelligence quotient and an 8-point gain in language quotient. Results support the value of a language enriched early…

This document discusses, briefly, the importance of preschool language learning and how such learning can be facilitated. In the main, the document sets out three lists for teachers concerning language instruction to preschoolers. List one presents the "age of articulatory efficiency of 23 consonant sounds." Five ages, from 3 to 7 …

This booklet contains four articles that discuss factors influencing language growth. The first, "The Child's Equipment for Language Growth" by Charlotte Wells, examines what the child needs for language learning, how the child uses his equipment for language growth, and what school factors facilitate the child's use of his equipment for language…

Documents the differences in language acquisition and school achievement between Finnish- and Swedish-speaking students in Finland's comprehensive school systems. Discusses the need for language maintenance and enrichment measures in both out-of-school and in-school environments. (SR)

Presents information on the normal sequence of speech and language development in young children. Describes how a teacher or family member can recognize a potential problem or delay in a child's language skills. Offers suggestions for enhancing early speech and language development, such as talking during routines. Lists favorite books for…

A description of the language curriculum at the Harrisville School in New Hampshire, a school for children age 4-7. Language use is encouraged as part of the children's natural interaction with other children, materials, and teachers. (BD)