New educational curricula are regularly put into practice worldwide; and the issues related to curriculum design are frequently discussed from a pedagogical perspective. However, the processes involved in preparing a statewide English as a foreign language (EFL) curriculum are rarely elaborated from an inside view. As the experiences of program…

Elementary school German programs can demonstrate both the value and the accessibility of the German language. Cultural experiences make both the language and the countries in which it is spoken inviting and attractive, and successful elementary programs can overcome old prejudices. (Author/MSE)

Akron's elementary language program is designed to prepare students for a systematic study of a foreign language. Akron emphasizes language as a necessity. Learning a foreign language on the elementary level seems to make children more aware of language in general and helps them to improve their skills in English. (JN)

The history of foreign languages in the elementary school (FLES) in the United States reveals six reasons, not commonly acknowledged, for declining enrollment in the 1950s and 1960s. A checklist for self-evaluation of new and existing programs based on those reasons is presented. (53 references) (Author/MSE)

Programs for the teaching of foreign language to groups both in and out of the schools are examined for reasons why they were not successful. Emphasis is placed on faulty planning and insufficient funding. A proposal is made that the National Institute of Education undertake an investigation of present centers of bilingual and bicultural education…

The development and results of a program designed to meet the inservice educational needs of teachers of foreign languages in the elementary schools (FLES) and to coordinate with a previously developed preservice program are described. The 2-week summer institute for inservice teachers was designed to correspond in content and emphasis with the…

A discussion of the use of science activities as a technique for second language instruction focuses on its application in both immersion and more traditional pull-out programs in the elementary school. First, a rationale for the use of hands-on science experiences in grade school second language classes is presented, noting the value of the…

The foreign language program in the Edison, New Jersey public schools is described. The exemplary features of this program are: (1) It is not limited to college-bound students, (2) a significant provision is made for program advocacy, and (3) there are full four- and six-year sequences in French, Spanish, and German. (PMJ)

Designed to be integrated into a regular language arts curriculum in grades 1-3, the program begins with a review of the recent history of elementary second language programs in the United States and a discussion of the direction the movement might take in the 1980s. Research done on nonintensive, nonbilingual second language programs in the past…

A discussion of foreign languages in elementary schools (FLES) includes both historical and current overviews of FLES in the United States and makes recommendations for development of FLES programs. The historical review looks at program design and methods during the 1950s and 1960s and the successes and failures of program types and approaches.…

The 13 selected papers included in this conference report are: "Achieving Curriculum Fit for That 'Horrible' Second Year" (Lorraine A. Strasheim); "Project Partnership: French Culture and Language in the Elementary School" (Susan Turner); "A Middle School Exploratory Course" (Kay Thorp); "Creative and…

This book is designed as both a methods text and practical guide for school districts and teachers involved in foreign language instruction at the elementary and middle school levels (grades K-8). Its primary concern is with majority-language speakers and with beginning-level classes. Brief introductory sections outline key concepts for success.…