Examines several of the key decisions to be made when designing a program model for an elementary school foreign language program and relates them to the three most common forms of elementary school programs: FLES, FLEX, and immersion, and to the resources that may be available to a local community. (SED)

Suggests topics that require thorough consideration in the planning, implementation, and maintenance of a high-quality elementary school foreign language program, including a plan of action; program evaluation; program support; feasibility determinations; program philosophy, outcomes and goals, structure, and scheduling; curriculum and materials;…

A colloquium convened at the Deutsches Haus in New York is summarized that brought together experts to discuss (1) the significance foreign languages have for other elementary school subjects, and (2) what function the other subjects serve for early foreign language learning. The following six topics, guided by session leaders, provided the…

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)

Although three types of foreign language program exist in elementary schools (immersion, partial immersion, and core courses), there is no conclusive evidence as to what length of instruction time results in greater student achievement. A logical approach to foreign language teaching at the elementary level is one that integrates foreign language…

In response to requests of adult students for foreign language instruction for their kindergarten and elementary school aged children, and after researching the availability of such instruction in the area, Tarrant County Junior College developed a series of nonsequential courses of 12 lessons each on common topics such as parts of the body, the…

This volume in a series of annual reports focuses on FLES as an integral part of the elementary school curriculum. The areas investigated in this study include ways in which FLES programs can make significant contributions in helping elementary pupils to develop necessary skills for vocational, social, and economic competence; to gain access to…

Addresses the issue of foreign language instruction for elementary and junior high school children in Texas, and describes and assesses a five-week workshop that was designed to help teachers improve their language skills and instruct them in teaching methodology. (10 references) (GLR)

The foreign language education program in the department of curriculum and instruction at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville has worked with the Morgan County School System to develop a foreign language experience (FLEX) program in Spanish for that district. The program has three phases: (1) 1 year of in-service instruction in language and…

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…

This paper explains the development of an integrated foreign language curriculum for elementary school classrooms and provides sample lesson plans using the story "Color, Where Are You?" In order to increase the consistency as well as the scope of the curriculum, the classroom teacher and the foreign language specialist should integrate the…

Three New York City public school projects funded by the New York State Education Department's Bureau of Bilingual Education had the common goal of improving the quality of instruction in schools that the state's Comprehensive Assessment Report (CAR) had designated as needing special assistance for raising low student performance levels. The…

Interest in elementary school foreign language programs has resurfaced in recent years, and the number of programs is increasing. Many states are requiring foreign language study at the elementary level. For a local school or community seeking to implement elementary school language programs, it is important that a rationale be developed to meet…

Designed for teachers, supervisors, administrators, and community advocates, this book provides practical advice on how to establish, maintain, and improve foreign language programs at the primary and middle school levels. Foreign Language in the Elementary School (FLES) options are explored, ways to evaluate existing programs are explained, and…

A shift in instructional focus to student needs and interests spurred the development of a different approach to French second language program design in Alberta. A practical curriculum planning model is offered that is based on: (1) communicative and student-centered activities; (2) responsiveness to teacher needs; and (3) supporting planning for…