An investigation of the relationship of hemispheric dominance (dichotic listening) and divergent thinking (Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking) with 27 preschool children indicates that divergent thinking is associated with right hemispheric dominance in children as young as four years. (Author/PN)

The acquisition of labels for concrete objects is considered. Issues concerning the initial acquisition of a word to refer to an object or object concept, the actual words initally acquired, the relationship between the initial categories underlying children's early object names and corresponding adult categories, and implications of the research…

Argues that the specialized knowledge that writing demands can only be acquired through a particular kind of reading. Illustrates how this kind of reading occurs and considers ways teachers can facilitate such learning. (JL)

The frequency and type of inappropriate word extensions (i.e., use of ball for moon) in the spontaneous speech of nine young language disordered children (2.8 to 3.4 years old) were studied. The percentage of inappropriate word extensions of these children was comparable to that of normal children at the same level of linguistic development.…

Suggests that children's use of social scripts for the production of sustained dialog in peer interaction depends on the nature of role play and that their attempts at script expansion are precursors to adults' recognition of the potential of conversation for self-expression. (FL)

Presents data which indicate that the language learning capability of adolescents and adults who are acquiring a second language differs from that of children who are acquiring their native language. Discusses consequences for second-language teaching methodology. (EKN)

Discusses the distinctions between the acquisition of a second language and of a foreign language. Proposes a tridimensional model for all varietal manifestations of foreign, second, and native language acquisition. Describes Singapore English and the English used by a group of Chinese-medium educated Singaporeans in terms of the model. (EKN)

Examines kindergarten children's use of talk during writing to draw inferences regarding how children use speech to make sense of written language. (HOD)

Provides several types of prereading activities that combine into one strategy stressing vocabulary, oral language development, and prediction. (FL)

Contains 15 articles investigating and discussing issues generated by Piaget's theory of cognitive development. Discusses and examines questions related to object permanence, transitivity, conservation and the concept of necessity as these relate to children. Deals with the origins and causes of development, logical development, social and…

Play has an important socializing function in the process of cognitive and social development. The focus of this treatise is on play as it relates to social interaction, role development, and assimilation of cultural expectations. (JN)

An ecological study of the quantity and distribution of language among children in nursery schools is reported. Two different situations, one in which the presence of the adult is incidental and the other in which the adult assumes a teaching role, are analyzed for categories of verbalization by the children. (Author)

Argues that English reading should not be introduced to a primary school student with a limited command of English until that child can comprehend the syntactic and semantic structures in the text. Discusses ways of assessing a child's level of English competence and the structural level of the reading material. (FL)

Discusses a number of children's books that can be used in conjunction with basal readers to enhance students' reading skills. Presents ideas under the following categories: multiple meanings, skills reinforcement, repetition of sounds, patterned language, and interest in words. Includes an extensive bibliography. (FL)

Effects of mothers' contingent and non-contingent vocal stimulation on vocalization and looking behavior was investigated in 10 Down's Syndrome infants. Neither condition increased infant vocalization but results suggest that looking behavior may be an important indication of competence in pre-linguistic social communication for developmentally…