This study focuses on the nature of children's participation in an Australian early childhood context in which their second language is used. The aim is to create knowledge of toddlers' modes and trajectories of participation. Empirical data documenting the participation of two toddlers were gathered through video observations of everyday…

Published research shows that English speakers gain literacy skills up to the 7-year level more effectively when taught using a language experience approach rather than a word reading approach (reading common words plus phonic reading). It is suggested that this is because of the almost unique nature of English phonology, that is the strengthening…

A modification of the language experience approach in which meaningful experiences form the basis for evoking language is illustrated with an autistic person. (CL)

Establishes five premises on which language-centered reading is based and makes five recommendations for language-centered reading instruction. (DD)

This document presents the case for the use of situational reinforcement (SR) as a language teaching method of which all teachers of languages should be made aware. SR is defined as a horizontal approach to language learning, a process of gradual familiarization where students are presented with a mixture of language structures from the outset;…

Response to a critique on author's Language in Use" approach to exploring the nature and function of language in the classroom. (MB)

Use of direct experiences for children to foster learning and language development is encouraged. Classroom materials and study trips are suggested. (DR)

As part of a study that sought ways to improve the language arts educational experience for Grenadian children, an anthropologist investigated how Carriacou Creole English (CCE) reading materials could be provided and how these children would react to them. CCE is the native language of the inhabitants of Carriacou, a sister island of Grenada. The…

In British primary schools reading and language skills are taught requiring the active involvement of the children in such activities as camping trips which result in student developed reading and writing materials. (JH)

A review of the research stresses the importance of language skills to beginning reading. (JH)

This study investigated the effect on the reading comprehension of preschool children of matching syntactic patterns in written materials to patterns in their level of language acquisition. It also examined whether a language experience method or a prescribed vocabulary method had different effects on the results. Eighty randomly selected subjects…

Reflecting an orientation to reading, language development, and students, this guide was drawn together to help give focus and direction to the efforts that are occurring in schools where people are studying the environment in which a child becomes a reader. An overview of the guide centers around the belief that a child will become a reader if he…

Discusses the relationship of cognitive development or thinking skills to language development and beginning reading. (MKM)