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)

Teachers can further Spanish language students' appreciation of the language's variety and richness through consideration of the use of puns in contemporary Spanish advertising. The puns are useful in introducing and reinforcing grammatical points and for providing culturally relevant and interesting material to students. (CB)

Discussion of a study of eight-year-olds' acquisition of English during formal classroom situations notes advantages in introducing linguistic familiarity at an early school age, including beneficial effect upon cognitive growth, prevention of the development of ethnocentric tendencies, and increased motivation to learn a second language.…

Describes the inventory technique, a reading tool which helps second language students to use their background knowledge and experience in overcoming the gap between native and foreign cultural perspectives. The cultural inventory worksheet helps students collect and organize cultural information in written foreign language material. (Author/CB)

Examines the influence of culture, language, and social experiences on reading. Proposes ways of helping ESL children develop literacy skills. (JK)

Relates personal experiences in reading and writing poetry with a group of elders in an attempt to learn something about their use of language, their life stories, and themselves. (HOD)

Article focuses on the problems teachers face in teaching English to their students and suggestions are made to make English teaching more effective. (RK)

Describes a program in which an introductory geology class was conducted in Spanish at Western Michigan University. Although difficulties were encountered, the author evaluated the program as a great success, and a valuable experience for the person who wants to be effectively bilingual in his profession. (JR)

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)

Describes how to plan a weekend foreign language workshop in terms of facilities, students, staff, and budget. Gives a possible schedule and suggests various activities and games. (EKN)

A consultant to a Northern Alberta School Division describes how she used drama activities to enrich children's language experiences. (Author/MP)

Based on the premise that social studies programs must involve students in dynamic learning and language activities, the article discusses thought and language in social studies education and describes an Ohio State University Program which integrates social studies instruction and active learning-language experiences. (KC)