The purpose of this study was to find the most effective method for teaching sight vocabulary to kindergarten children. The sample was selected from a surburban community which ranked above average with regard to education, income, and occupations as compared to the rest of the state and nation. One hundred and twenty white kindergarten children…

The National Health Survey Act of 1956 provides for the establishment and continuation of a National Health Survey to obtain information about the health status of the population in the United States. The psychological component of the Survey is included to provide a more complete assessment of the health and well-being of the population. A first…

The Harris-Jacobson Basic Elementary Reading vocabularies contain 7,613 words found to be basic in 14 series of textbooks for grades 1 through 6. They include a core list, an additional list, a technical vocabulary, and a total alphabetical list. Comparisons with the Dale list and the Botel list show very high degrees of overlapping with the…

The Basic Word Vocabulary Test (BWVT) was extended downward by administering it orally to 96 pupils selected randomly from grades one through four. Estimates of aural understanding vocabulary at each grade were obtained and were found to be much lower than results from previous studies, due to the strict criteria of the BWVT. Correlations with the…

The so-called "threshold level," defined as minimum basic vocabulary, is analyzed. It is felt that the "Lexicon for Threshold-Level English" contains too many rare words and exemplary sentences that are empty of expression and sometimes unidiomatic. (Text is in German.) (IFS/MS)

Methods that social studies teachers can use to help elementary and secondary students overcome textbook-related vocabulary difficulties are discussed. Methods include having teachers point out specialized uses of terms, identify potential areas of confusion, provide clear instructions, and prepare glossaries. (RM)

Examines arguments favoring direct teaching of reading vocabulary and those favoring extensive reading to develop vocabulary, concluding that direct vocabulary instruction is still appropriate. (HTH)

Reviews the history, principles, merits, and weaknesses of "Fundamental French" (FF) as seen 25 years after its elaboration. Focuses on the two chief components of this approach, a frequency based vocabulary and a thematic vocabulary, and discusses options open to present-day linguists for a reevaluation of FF. (MES)

A short survey of the classifications of Russian verbs from the fields of linguistics and language teaching is presented, and a classification useful for language teaching based on linguistic principles is developed. The classification is demonstrated using 1,400 verbs and 4,000 frequently used words in language teaching. (SW)

Considers the interplay between source and target language in relation to two points made by Klein and Perdue: (1) the argument that the analysis of the target language should not be used as the model for analyzing interlanguage data; and (2) the theoretical claim that under the technical assumptions of minimalism, the Basic Variety is a "perfect"…

Presents two activities for building elementary school students' vocabulary skills and increasing their knowledge of phonics and spelling patterns. The primary activity involves word mapping. The intermediate activity helps students pronounce and understand unfamiliar, multisyllabic words. A reproducible page on vocabulary strategies is included.…

Focuses on the examination of pupil responses for grades two through four in a study that provides more recent information about the performance of pupils on the Dolch Test. Provides some observations to assist teachers in interpreting the result of pupil responses to these words. (MG)

Defines basic concept courseware as educational software dealing with language concepts for young children, details problems with current courseware evaluation systems, and outlines contents of the basic concept courseware evaluation form included in the appendix. Teacher evaluation and learner evaluation of the courseware are included. (12…

Gives a brief overview of vocabulary instruction research and delineates vocabulary instructional guidelines based on research. Recommends ways to use physical education activities for teaching vocabulary, and suggests words that are logically associated with specific physical education activities. (RS)