Eighty-six studies are reported in this 13th annual review of research in elementary language arts. Efforts are made to include all studies reported in 52 journals from January through December 1973. Discussions and descriptions of the studies are divided into sections on research summaries and listings, language, oral communication, written communication (composition, spelling, and handwriting), pre-first grade programs, beginning reading instruction, programs and grouping practices, vocabulary and word analysis, and reading achievement. The review is keyed to an 86-item bibliography. (HOD)