The performance of 24 language-disordered children (ages 3-8) on an ambiguity detection task was compared to that of children matched for comprehension level and children matched for cognitive level. It is concluded that communicative factors, both active primary comprehension and social communicative knowledge, had a stronger influence than the…

Reviews six professional books which provide excellent theoretical principles and practical suggestions for promoting young children's literacy. (MG)

Discusses problems related to using basal readers for reading instruction. Recommends actions for local administrators and policymakers. (MG)

Behavior profiles of four experienced teachers of infants and toddlers were obtained by means of the Assessing the Behavior of Caregivers (ABC) checklist. The ABC was shown to be a sensitive and easy-to-use instrument that was useful in monitoring interactions between adults and children and effects of in-service training. (DE)

School psychologists must utilize an interdisciplinary approach to understand and analyze language disturbances, by examining the student's motor coordination, sensorium, perception, cognition, emotionality, and sociability. Implications for the practice of school psychology are offered in the areas of dyslalia, dysgrammatia, retardation of…

Presented is a case study of a boy who could not process language auditorily even though he had normal hearing. The boy, who was hyperactive and had a monosyllabic vocabulary at the age of four, received training on speech patterns through sign language and repetition and became a high-achieving student. (JDD)

Annotates (1) 28 professional books which deal with the whole language approach in the area of reading and writing; and (2) eight books to use as computer-related resources. (MG)

Analyzes the processes and strategies used by English-speaking children when they learn to read and write in their first language, English, while enrolled in total French Immersion (in which all their schooling is in the second language). (KEH)

Argues that the language planning role of Japan's public broadcasting organization, NHK, is considerable, although neglected. The article overviews broadcasting, language policy, organization, and history and focuses on NHK's role in establishing and disseminating the standard language. NHK is perceived as an arbiter of language standards. (51…

Reports on an investigation into the reading proficiency of primary school children in two African countries and tests two hypotheses regarding the relative reading ability of the children in these countries. Test results reveal statistically significant differences in favor of Malawi for reading proficiency in the first language and no…

A preschool/kindergarten program that serves 18 students with deafness/hearing impairments and 11 hearing children uses music activities to develop speech, audition, language, and movement and to further explore current classroom themes. A deaf teacher models body movements, signs, rhythm, and facial expressions while a hearing teacher models…

Diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorders relies on the detection of deficits in social, play, and communication skills relative to the child's mental age. A case example illustrates the multidisciplinary process of making the diagnosis in very young children. Psychiatric evaluation criteria are examined, and a developmental framework for…

Examines the possibilities and advantages of computers in teaching hearing-impaired children. A method of using computers to improve the spoken and written communication skills of the hearing impaired is presented. Suggests that Hypertext and multimedia technologies can be successfully applied to speech therapy teaching, lip-reading teaching,…

Investigated the developmental processes that lead from a literal interpretation of idiomatic expressions to the ability to comprehend and produce them figuratively. Results showed that younger children are more literally oriented than older children, who in turn are more idiomatically oriented, and that children of both age groups found it more…

Considers intellectual and affective reasons for telling tales with young children, placing special emphasis on cultural and restorative effects of storytelling. Offers suggestions for helping young children become reflective--capable of valuing their cultural heritage and coping with personal difficulties. Includes guidelines for helping children…