Numerous experiments in the early introducing of English teaching show this approach to be the most successful. The tendency to drop these projects for economy's sake is lamentable. Introducing English at the primary level would greatly improve English teaching at the junior high school level. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Examines several of the key decisions to be made when designing a program model for an elementary school foreign language program and relates them to the three most common forms of elementary school programs: FLES, FLEX, and immersion, and to the resources that may be available to a local community. (SED)

Describes the approach to foreign language study adopted by the Baltimore public schools, including their foreign language requirements and a comparison of Baltimore's program with the recommendations of the National Advisory Board on International Education Programs. Includes addresses for more information on implementing foreign language…

Describes a technique used to teach German to children whereby the children learn a fairy tale in German (in this case, "Hansel and Gretel") and then present the fairy tale as a play. In this way, the students learn basic vocabulary and expressions, German music, and simple folk dances. (SED)

A preprint from a forthcoming pamphlet of the National Conference on Research in English. (Author)

Describes successful experiment in teaching of medieval literature to elementary French language classes in the Cincinnati public schools. Purpose was to strengthen linguistic awareness and expand social studies unit on medieval France. (BK)

Presents authentic Spanish rhymes and jingles that elementary school foreign language teachers can incorporate in classroom activities. The rhymes not only introduce children to the oral and cultural traditions of the language but also serve as language drills for increasing Spanish vocabulary. (CB)

Belgium's German-speaking community feels the need for multilingualism more than most. Since 1990, French language instruction has been seriously promoted in elementary school, as much for teachers as for students. A six-year curriculum plan takes students from early exposure to creative and autonomous language use. A pilot program is under way.…

Explores ways in which elementary school foreign language programs can fully integrate cultural insights, skills, and understanding through an examination of instructional models and developmental factors in the teaching of culture, goal setting for teaching culture, and culture and curriculum in the foreign language classroom and in other areas.…

Offers strategies to help elementary school foreign-language specialists become more effective in promoting early language learning. (VWL)

Gives a brief history of the National Network for Early Language Learning, an organization formed specifically to focus on the teaching of foreign languages to young children. A descriptive chronology is provided from November 1986 through 1997. (Author/JL)

This article reports the results of 2 studies conducted over a 10-year period that researched student attitudes toward early foreign language learning. These studies are unique because of the long time frame in which the students were followed, and the large data sets collected at the elementary school level. Surveys of students in the Foreign…