"Sounds of Language" is a background course to provide elementary and secondary school students with a greater understanding of how language works. The course is designed to (1) introduce students to the variations of sounds and structure of many foreign languages, (2) teach study habits that are vital to successful foreign language learning, and…

The manual teaches SignFont, a written form of sign language. Following a brief introduction, the first of three major sections describes the SignFont alphabet, structured according to the parts of every sign that is written (handshape, action area, location, movement). The second section discusses in greater detail how the SignFont characters are…

The unit on language is designed for presentation to middle school, junior high, and senior high gifted students. Information on objectives, materials, and presentation guidelines is presented for eight lessons on the following topics: purposes and process of language, successful/unsuccessful communication, precise/imprecise communication,…

Describes a three-week "Introduction to Language" unit for seventh graders. Notes that students feel ownership of the unit because of the amount of choice and sharing involved. Describes the unit's mini-lessons: human language; origins and development of language; symbols and words; meaning in context; and growth and change in language. (RS)

A schema developed for the teaching of reading involves five factors: learning, language, clues, mediums of communication, and adaptive processes. Learning involves four tasks, taught in the following sequence: comprehension, comparison of semantic shapes, composition of the whole into parts, and concentration. There are four general language…

The connection between rhythm, motion, intonation, and meaning in second language learning is explored in a series of classroom activities and games. (MSE)

Comments on James J. Fernandes' article (CS 706 160). (PD)

Intended for teachers, this book provides a valuable guide to the role of pictures and other visual materials in language teaching. It brings together a wealth of ideas on how to use pictures in a wide range of language learning situations. The first section discusses the contribution visuals can make to all classroom settings in providing real…

Investigates the mathematical ideas in iconographic designs such as sand scenes, yawalyu, site-path designs, and guruwari from the perspective of formal language theory and provides short formal grammars that generate the languages of designs. Suggests the pedagogical value of viewing Walpiri iconography as mathematics and discusses whether the…

The chapters in this collection were largely compiled from presentations at inservice teacher education mini-courses and workshops held at Boston University during 1977-1980. The following articles are included: (1) "Language Policies in American Education: A Historical Overview," by Maria Estela Brisk; (2) "Understanding the Role of Language in…

Describes a program in a tenth-grade geography class for helping students who speak English as a second language develop better writing skills. Specifically examines the use of English as a second language (ESC) teaching techniques to accomplish this task. (RKM)

Describes the way one teacher utilizes a variety of activities by which the power of language is analyzed and fostered among students of English. Describes methods for engaging students in language play, specifically through the use of puns. (HB)

Details the various questions regarding the teaching of language and parts of language to high school students. Contends that teachers should aim at providing students with a view of the wholeness of language. Gives suggested criteria for classroom language activities. (HB)

Discusses classroom concerns and educational strategies for meeting the needs of limited English proficiency students in science classrooms. (JRH)

Describes an approach to teaching language based on teachers' and students' own experiences with language; outlines a one-week unit illustrating the approach. (DD)