This article provides a framework for selecting and analyzing an effective language curriculum, based on 11 design-of-instruction criteria such as specification of the objective, number of practice activities, and review in subsequent lessons. The 11 criteria are discussed within the context of analyzing a sample lesson selected from a basal…

The concept of language learning disability is discussed in terms of such language components as phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics; input and output dimensions of language performance; information processing; and the social construction of meaning. (DB)

This paper discusses topic management as a parameter of discourse that is essential for the establishment of coherence. The paper discusses a model for the assessment of discourse topic management, normal developmental patterns and prerequisite skills, and patterns of normal development versus disrupted topic management in specific…

Reviews articles in the Journal of Research in Childhood Education, Volume 5, Number 1, 1990. Topics include young children's oral language; effects of realistic versus nonrealistic play; textbook choice; written response to stereotypical and nonstereotypical story starters; and computers and kindergarten language development. (DG)

Two experiments were performed on the ability of children and adults to understand and produce locative verbs. Results confirm that children tend to make syntactic errors with sentences containing "fill" and "empty," encoding the content argument as direct object. (33 references) (JL)

This review identifies five themes of child language intervention: (1) development of augmentative and alternative communication systems; (2) provision of language stimulation to take advantage of observational learning; (3) teaching of various language functions; (4) teaching of language as a means of environmental and self-control; and (5) study…

Suggests that experimental studies are valuable in analyzing children's language development. Criticizes the scarcity of experimental and naturalistic investigation into preschool language development. Calls for long-term study of continuity and discontinuity in children's school and home learning and between different school stages. Observes that…

Examines the benefits of choral reading as they relate to language acquisition in general. Focuses on second-language learners as the authors explore factors that promote second language acquisition and the role that choral reading plays in enhancing children's progress. (MG)

Describes how the author and her kindergarten students created a cooking center and restaurant in which they participate in regular cooking projects to provide opportunities to apply newly acquired skills in reading, writing, and math. (MG)

This article describes the Language Interaction Intervention Program (LIIP) used in preschool classes for handicapped children in central New Jersey. Covered are the LIIP curriculum rationale, the LIIP model, the original evaluation study, and a replication study showing the program was effectively replicated with mothers appropriately changing…

The communicative behaviors of 6 girls with Rett syndrome (ages 2-13) were evaluated. Findings indicated that all subjects were at a preintentional level of communication, which was consistent with their profound intellectual disability and their lack of demonstration of "means-end" behavior beyond Piagetian Sensorimotor Stage III.…

This article reports and comments on the Western Canada--Auditory Verbal Conference held in Winnipeg, Manitoba in June 1992. It summarizes research on cochlear implants and research on auditory verbal approaches to remediation. (DB)

The relationship between teachers' theories of language and learning and the nature of classroom discourse is explored. Data from two classes on Aborigine lifestyles suggest that there are three components functioning in all lessons: interpersonal, content, and metalanguage. The quality of the metalanguage component influences the overall quality…

Recent knowledge about the system of gender assignment in French is examined to suggest theoretical reasons why English speakers are so rarely successful in mastering the French gender assignment system for inanimate nouns. Morphological, phonetic, and semantic rules shed light on the system. (14 references) (Author/LB)

Describes activities that use a literature- and activity-based approach to teach phonetic skills effectively without using phonics workbooks and worksheets. Activities relate to special letter days during which new letters are featured, games, literature and poetry, music and nursery rhymes, art, writing, and math. (SM)