The second of four documents provides a summary of the scientific literature pertaining to spontaneous language acquisition in handicapped preschool children, and reviews and evaluates procedures for assessing language acquisition in these children. Chapter l focuses on language development in nonhandicapped children after they have acquired their…

This pamphlet is the eighth in a series of ten stemming from the view that language is central to learning, that teachers can gain insights into their work and into learning by examining the language of the classroom, and that current language theory can be the means to such insights. The pamphlet contains a discussion of the uses of language in…

ONE HUNDRED EDUCATORS FROM 13 SOUTHERN STATES MET FOR A 3-DAY CONFERENCE IN WHICH POSSIBLE DIRECTIONS FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION WERE EXPLORED WITH SPECIFIC EMPHASIS ON STATE-FUNDED PRESCHOOL EDUCATION FOR THE DISADVANTAGED CHILD. REPORTS WERE GIVEN ON THE FOLLOWING ONGOING PROJECTS--(1) DEMONSTRATION AND RESEARCH CENTER FOR EARLY EDUCATION…

For each of 4 years varying numbers (from 45 to 750) of 3- to 5-year-old children, mostly Mexican-American, Spanish speaking, participated in a program aimed at language development. Classes met 3 hours daily, five times a week, in small discussion-and-activity groups that included five children and one adult. The Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test…

A study was conducted to test the effectiveness of a preschool program which emphasized rapid attainment of basic academic concepts. The experimentals were 4- to 5-year-old lower class, predominantly Negro, children. For 2 years they received instruction 2 hours daily, 5 times a week, in a group where the pupil-teacher ratio was five to one. To…

Rates of verbalizing by three children exhibiting moderate to severe language delays (delays of six months to two years) were increased through the systematic use of mands for verbalization, models for verbalization, and contingent positive consequences following utterances. Daily samples of each child's speech were collected during free play…

The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate two procedures for providing preschool education for rural 4-year-olds by using a mobile laboratory. The project used "readimobiles" to determine the effectiveness of a structured, psycholinguistically-based preschool curriculum on black, disadvantaged children. There were three…

A demonstration home provided a parent oriented program and audiologic management for 94 deaf preschoolers (mean age 2 years 4 months). Each child underwent a trial period with different hearing aids before permanent recommendation was made. Parents were present at these clinic sessions; they also received instruction in how to encourage auditory…

After experimenting extensively with a large assortment of classroom aids, e.g., blocks and rhythm instruments to stimulate the oral expression of preschool children, it was found that far less language expression resulted than had been anticipated. When those experiments which had been mildly successful were evaluated, it was decided that young…

This handbook describes the origins and activities of a community parent education committee which was formed to encourage the nationwide dissemination of information and services to help parents give their children the experiences necessary for reading readiness. Activities designed to promote positive self-concepts, psychomotor skills, sensory…

Shows that mentally handicapped preschool children can learn to read words when word cards become tools for communicating their wishes. Indicates also that language skills improve and that these transfer to other situations. (FL)

Argues that teachers can take advantage of child-initiated explorations to develop beginning reading and writing skills. Offers specific recommendations and suggestions. (FL)

Reports on observations of five preschool children in the home and kindergarten classrooms, which indicated that while children initiate literacy experiences in the home, they become passive in the mediated environment of the school. (HTH)

The Carpinteria Preschool Spanish Immersion Project was developed to bring Spanish speaking children to a level in school readiness skills that matched English dominant children upon entrance to kindergarten. A description of the program and its effectiveness is offered. (DF)

The goal of England's Peers Early Education Partnership (PEEP) is to support early communication and literacy skills and to support parents as their children's first educators through both home- and group-based programs. The program is currently offered to children under 5 years of age and their families in a disadvantaged area of Oxford. This…