Two experiments investigated 4- to 5-year olds' understanding of semantic relations and methods for incorporating new words into their lexicon. In one experiment, 24 children were shown a picture of a container and told that an object called "X" was hidden inside it. Children were asked questions about the object X and about…

The complex and subtle nature of Chinese requires an early understanding of the characters that extends beyond radical and phonetic identifications. Etymological explanations of character forms give students insight into the literary language, aid in character memorization and retention, and stimulate interest. Chinese presents special problems in…

A knowledge of words that impede reading and understanding in social studies can aid the teacher in overcoming second language barriers to social studies concepts. (Author/KM)

Suggests that three dimensions should be considered by teachers who wish to develop the vocabulary development process of the students. (RB)

In order to create descriptive poems children have to experience things with as many senses as possible. (JH)

A classroom technique designed for developing German second language vocabulary is expanded on for additional classroom functions and activities. The method uses a bag containing a variety of objects. The objects are drawn out of the bag and discussed in class. The contents of the bag should be unpredictable and unusual, and they should be changed…

Spontaneous interaction of three infants in conversational situations with a familiar adult at home were videotaped until the children were 2 years old, at 2- to 3-week intervals. Imitation was defined as children's utterances which maintained the order of adult utterances, were produced in the same tone, and which repeated at least one of the…

Shedding light on the current debate on the nature of the relationship between vocabulary instruction and reading comprehension, a study investigated student perceptions of the present state of vocabulary instruction. Subjects, 20 students from each of three grade levels (first, fifth, and eighth), from two schools in suburban Maryland, were…

A study investigated the effectiveness of semantic mapping as a technique to improve recall of word meaning versus the traditional method of teaching vocabulary. Eight intermediate-level students from grades 4, 5, and 6, five of whom were identified as learning disabled students, were subjects. They were tested using vocabulary subtests of the…

Discusses the use of free conversation, especially with regard to vocabulary. Recommends group discussion in the FL, using, at the intermediate level, limited, familiar vocabulary. At a higher level, words from a special technical vocabulary may be introduced, aurally and visually. A teaching example ("Traffic") is given with thorough…