With the rapid implementation of early foreign language programmes in the state of North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, first for Grade 3 (ages 8-9 years) in 2003 and then from Grade 1 (ages 6-7 years) in 2008, primary school teachers had to adapt to teaching a foreign language in Grade 1 quickly. Teachers had little experience with language teaching…

The author visited elementary school English classes in Puerto Rico and this article illustrates some of their activities. (CK)

A TWO-YEAR EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM TO DEVELOP "BILINGUAL READINESS" WAS UNDERTAKEN IN KINDERGARTEN AND FIRST GRADE CLASSES IN NEW YORK CITY. TWO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, ONE IN A POVERTY AREA AND ONE IN A MIDDLE CLASS AREA, WERE CHOSEN FOR THE STUDY. EFFORTS WERE MADE TO CHOOSE SIX KINDERGARTEN AND SIX FIRST GRADE CLASSES COMPOSED OF EQUAL NUMBERS…

An effort has been made in this study to elucidate what social implications are inherent in the environmental teaching situations, and their correlation to the basic purposes and aims of each language instructional program. FLES, English as a Second Language, and Spanish for Spanish-speaking children programs are discussed. It is pointed out that…

A project introducing English as a third language in 30 elementary schools in the Basque Country (Spain) is described. The program, emerging from a national curriculum reform effort, begins English instruction when students are eight years old, three years earlier than previously. Students are already bilingual in Spanish and Basque, both official…

This glossary defines terms commonly used in second language education, including the subfields of foreign language education, bilingual education, and English as a second language. Its purpose is to minimize confusion about the use of the terms. The terms include: language/linguistic majority student; language/linguistic minority student; limited…

THREE UNITED STATES SPECIALISTS IN TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGES SPENT 23 DAYS IN RUSSIA TO LEARN ABOUT WHAT SOVIET SCHOOLS ARE DOING IN THAT FIELD. THEIR REPORT HERE IS BASED ON INTERVIEWS WITH 120 SOVIET EDUCATORS AND VISITS TO 29 EDUCATIONAL AND RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS. REFORMS INITIATED BY THE SOVIET MINISTRY OF EDUCATION IN 1957 ARE BEING CARRIED…

An elementary school English second language program in Caen (France) is described and evaluated. The program evolved from national policy initiatives to reintroduce modern foreign languages in the primary schools. The eventual National Experiment involved a selected number of schools in which a foreign language was to be taught. Data for this…

This guide to second language instruction is intended to help teachers implement the state's goal-based educational model. The material is presented in two parts: (1) planning instruction in second languages, and (2) performing in second languages. Part One provides information on the reasons for studying a foreign language, program and course…

Articles treating various aspects of the teaching of Hispanic culture at the secondary and junior high school levels are intended to improve methodology and facilitate the development of teacher-made instructional materials. An overview of the field relating problems and procedures in several areas is developed. Selections cover: (1) bilinguality,…