This established text--now revised and updated--reveals how spoken language skills are acquired and how they affect children's later reading and writing achievement. With a unique focus on the needs of educators, the book examines the foundations of language in the developing brain. It explores the relationship of language processes to core…

A review of pragmatic structures that are a part of second language learning is intended to provide insights for speech-language pathologists working with bilingual students in the schools. Among topics covered are conversational postulates, presuppositions, and performatives. Suggestions for helping the bilingual language learner are offered. (CL)

The theory and methods of the natural approach to language acquisition in the classroom are described. The natural approach is based on the theory that language acquisition occurs only when students receive comprehensible input. The emphasis is on reading and listening comprehension for beginning students. The seven chapters cover (1) language…

Changing demographics makes the nation's schools increasingly diverse, both culturally and linguistically. In this contribution to the Kids InSight series, the reader will gain an insider's perspective on what it means to be an English learner in a U.S. classroom. By reflecting on one's own work with language learners, one will develop a deeper…

A discussion of the poor reading achievement of hearing-impaired children identifies the two-way communication involved in the reading process, traces the language development of those born to deaf and hearing parents, and suggests viewing American Sign Language as a separate and complete language from English. (Author/CL)

The decision of parents whose native language is English to raise their child bilingually prompted a review of the literature concerning approaches to fostering infant bilingualism. The review focuses on (1) language strategies most often adopted by the bilingual family, such as dichotomy and alteration; (2) other family variables; (3) the…

The author examines adjustment problems of Southeast Asian refugees in the U.S., noting conflict with their traditional orientation to learning and linguistic difficulties in acquiring English. Seven guidelines are offered for teaching, including an emphasis on survival skills and vocabulary and grammar rather than on pronunciation. (CL)

The article offers a theoretical framework including a brief review of the literature on the importance of attitudes and second language learning, bilingualism and cognition, and bilingualism and language acquisition. Based on this theoretical framework, an integrated bilingual kindergarten curriculum model is presented. (NQ)

Proposes an interactive model of vocabulary acquisition that accounts for acquisition of knowledge and the mental processes involved in vocabulary acquisition, emphasizing the characterization of mental processes more than any other aspects. The model, which can account for first or second languages, attempts to capture how vocabulary is…

Explores the second-language learning process from the point of view of what early childhood educators need to know to understand and help young second-language-learners. Discusses types of programs for preschoolers whose home language is not English and the developmental sequence of second-language acquisition. Considers issues of supporting…

This book describes the process whereby children born into a bilingual community learn to use one or two languages (Welsh and English). Twelve chapters include the following: (1) "How Do Children Acquire Language?" (e.g., theories of language development); (2) "Where Do You Find Bilingual Children?" (e.g., bilingual…

This article describes techniques used to teach English to a 16-year-old Hispanic who is deaf. The educational plan involved vocabulary development, noting similarities and differences between Spanish and English, use of a language experience approach with principles of Sheltered English, and respect for the student's native language and culture.…

The process of first and second language acquisition is the subject of this training module. It guides trainers through the activities and lessons necessary to familiarize administrators, teachers and other school staff with the processes a non-English speaking student goes through during the acquisition of English as a Second Language. Nine…

Focusing on how children learn to read in a language they have previously only spoken, this book illustrates the skill theory of reading development, which encompasses both new perceptual processes and modified but familiar integrative cognitive processes of language comprehension. The chapters discuss the following aspects of learning to read:…

Examines a number of ways in which the process of natural acquisition of American Sign Language (ASL) from competent adult and child users of the language might directly enhance the learning of English. The natural acquisition of ASL, contact signing, and fingerspelling may enhance English language literacy. (45 references) (MDM)