The development and normal variability of children's speech is described, particularly in the periods of 18 to 24 months and 24 to 36 months. Vocabulary growth, speech articulation, and sentence construction (complexity and grammar) are major topics. Causes of speech problems are listed and a bibliography is included. (CTM)

The author examines nuance of meaning, polysemy, and ambiguity as three aspects of language development. He notes that children have a natural talent for learning about language. The goal of language instruction should therefore be to strengthen children's intuitive knowledge by providing opportunities for inductive learning. (Author)

Teachers of the Newark, Delaware, school district developed Project C.A.R.E. (Content Area Reading Enrichment) to make reading a part of math, science, social studies, English and survival instruction. Project C.A.R.E. English activities are designed to make certain that reading is truly a part of all language arts by reinforcing five reading…

Reports a study which assessed and compared the verbal responses of good and poor readers at the end of the first grade using a paradigmatic-syntagmatic classification scale for responses. (JM)

Explains how to compile vocabulary lists from a representative sample of technical vocabulary in a particular content area, and how to use the lists to assess student vocabulary needs. (GW)

Discusses a short list of positive ways parents can use television to help their children. (Author/RK)

Assesses the progress being made in German schools toward the current goals of communicative competence in: pronunciation (beginners), vocabulary (Secondary 1) and work on texts (Secondary 2). Measuring achievement is especially important. Greater cooperation is needed between curriculum developers, administrators, teachers and students. (Text is…

Summarizes a teaching experiment in which two data management software packages--PFS:File and PFS:Reports, were adapted for classroom instruction to introduce social studies vocabulary concepts using the semantic feature method. (HTH)

Considers how children's vocabulary develops in reading contexts. Focuses on the role of independent reading as one of the major factors influencing vocabulary growth. (AEW)

Partial knowledge was assessed in a multiple choice vocabulary test. Test reliability and concurrent validity were compared using Rasch-based dichotomous and polychotomous scoring models. Results supported the polychtomous scoring model, and moderately supported J. O'Connor's theory of vocabulary acquisition. (Author/GDC)

Describes the development of a computer program called Shoemaker Computerized Instruction Office (SCIO) that contains morphology, vocabulary, and syntax drills used to teach Latin. Latin morphology is explained, student improvement after using the drills is discussed, and planned future enhancements of SCIO, including parsing capabilities, are…

Investigates the process involved in acquiring word knowledge from written context in prereading kindergarten children. Analyzes children's readings of picture books to identify patterns of vocabulary growth. Concludes that children learned lexicogrammatical information incidentally through exposure to written context. (MM)

The article surveys literature and research about deaf children's acquisition of American Sign Language, especially as it compares to language acquisition of their hearing peers. The development of manual articulation as well as vocabulary, morphology, syntax, and fingerspelling acquisition are discussed. (JL)

Describes a system for computer-assisted practice of Chinese vocabulary. Its main goal is to help students improve their association between the sound of a Chinese word or phrase and its graphic shape in Chinese characters. This system is currently for use with the Victor 9000. (Author/LMO)

Suggests that children learn to distinguish between similar words when the words are first taught separately, then compared. Offers a vocabulary remediation technique and shows how three groups responded to some variations. (JC)