The purpose of this manual, which accompanies a video program, is to provide general background information for foreign language teachers who are, or soon will be, teaching in total, partial, or two-way immersion classrooms. Part of a series of video programs, this manual highlights current theories, issues, and questions about second language acquisition. The following topics as they relate to children learning a second language in elementary school foreign language immersion classrooms are explored: caregiver speech; contextualized language; comprehensible input; the role of input; the role of output; hypothesis testing/negotiation of meaning; encouragement of oral language development; the role of grammar instruction; the role of error correction; the role of age, aptitude, personality, and motivation. It is suggested that the recommended readings included in the manual be read before viewing the video program. Two papers for background reading are: "Second-Language Development in Immersion Contexts" (Barry McLaughlin) and "Building Programs on a Sound Foundation: From Theory to Practice" (Helena Anderson Curtain; Carol Ann Pesola). (VWL)