In this article, the authors share findings from a study in which immigrant students responded to the wordless text "The Arrival" in small-group, bilingual literature discussions. The interpretive processes of two of the children with different ethnic backgrounds, levels of English proficiency, and styles of response are highlighted as exemplary…

Describes a project where children follow the natural progression of becoming literate in their native language (Spanish) before developing literacy in the language of the school. Demonstrates the manner in which social interaction is part of literacy acquisition at the early stages. (MG)

Presents conversations of a group of fifth graders collaborating on a social studies task to illustrate how childen use language to learn. Focuses on one student whose oral language was rapid and chaotic but who demonstrated extremely sophisticated and complex structuring of knowledge to understand a particular social studies concept. (HTH)

Describes several techniques of informal assessment which might supplement test results. (DD)

Discusses bilingual students' backgrounds; language use and proficiency at home and school; and students' and parents' reactions to the bilingual program established for the children of Mexican immigrants. (RAE)

Describes how the teaching of language and the teaching of subject matter knowledge can be brought together to empower students and to foster a positive attitude toward their own abilities. Illustrates a framework for integrating language development and the development of subject matter knowledge with a case study of one classroom in Vancouver,…