Intended for teachers in Tasmania, this booklet focuses on guidelines for developing a language program for young children. Chapters are entitled: How Language Competence Grows; Language, Thought and Feelings Are Independent; The Child's Language Development Depends on Our Responses; and Growth of Understanding. The philosophy presented in the booklet is based on widely accepted thinking, practice, and research about language over the past 20 years. The booklet stresses the importance of teachers' understanding the theory behind language acquisition, and its relevance to day-to-day practice, so that a consistent approach can be developed. Several black and white photographs illustrate the text. (MG)