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

Provides insight into the teaching of modern languages to young learners in Hungary. Demonstrates how different the educational context is from the United States and how the Prussian educational tradition still influences today's processes. Also discussed are language teachers, resources of early language programs, young learners' attitudes and…

Describes the University of Tennessee's experimental program for teaching French to children, using videotape, by teachers with no knowledge of the target language. Rationale, goals, and teaching techniques are described for the generally well-received program. (Author/CB)

Describes an innovative teacher education program that prepares elementary school foreign language teachers to work in immersion or partial immersion schools. The model's effects on other teacher preparation components and possible use by other institutions are also discussed. (Author/CB)

A discussion of FLES (foreign language in the elementary school, including introductory, exploratory, or immersion) looks at the challenges that need to be identified and met for successful planning and implementation. The role and importance of FLES in the 1990s is briefly reviewed, FLES program types are outlined, and FLES is examined in greater…

Describes an elementary school foreign language program in Oklahoma. Classes are taught before and after school by parents, and costs are borne by individual tuition payments. Students learn to correlate words with actions and take part in foreign language games, songs, and dialogues. (TE)

Even during the 1970's when diminished national interest in foreign language study was reflected in declining enrollments at most colleges, Tarrant County Junior College (TCJC) was able to maintain a vigorous language program by emphasizing oral communication and developing a flexible curriculum. Since 1975, the college has offered its preparatory…

This booklet, based on a nationwide study of elementary school foreign language programs, addresses the following topics: (1) why students should learn a foreign language; (2) information that may help persons select and initiate a specific type of program; and (3) a detailed description of three elementary school approaches used in the country…

Twelve articles on current and projected trends in the teaching of foreign language in elementary schools (FLES) focus on four major areas of concern. A look at the present state of FLES instruction includes articles on programs in various parts of the world, the potential of FLES, and teacher preparation. Two articles on innovations and school…

This paper describes the design of a new Maori, early childhood, immersion teaching diploma program at the University of Waikato (New Zealand). The program incorporates a strong focus on developing both the adult students' fluency in Maori, as a second language, and their skills for facilitating fluency in young children, many of whom will also be…

A discussion of foreign languages in the elementary school (FLES) begins with a brief history of the program's emergence and status in the United States, a summary of the rationale for early language study, and descriptions of the major FLES program types. An Ohio survey of elementary school foreign language instruction is reported, and the…

The teaching of foreign languages in the elementary school (FLES) as an integral part of the elementary curriculum has met with varied success in the U.S., despite increasing evidence that young children are capable of learning to speak a foreign language with less effort and more success than any other age group. The earliest FLES programs date…

This paper cites observational and interview evidence indicating that language immersion students in the United States and Canada increasingly avoid using their second language in peer interactions as they move into higher primary grade levels. Implications for immersion programs and teachers are discussed. (32 references) (MDM)

This program and teaching guide describes the nature of foreign language instruction in the elementary school (FLES). Chapters include discussion of: (1) program development and organization; (2) the FLES teacher; (3) methods, motivation, and instructional materials; (4) culture; (5) program evaluation; (6) outline of recommended structures; and…

This pamphlet outlines the educational philosophy behind foreign language instruction in the elementary school (FLES) and organizational procedures for the establishment of such programs. Major sections explain: (1) the nature of FLES, (2) program planning, (3) student eligibility, (4) teacher preparation, and (5) program articulation. A chart of…