The purpose of this book is to consider early literacy education and whole language from the perspective of constructivist theory (which states that human beings acquire knowledge by building it from the inside in interaction with the environment) and research. More specifically, the book intends to show that the whole language movement is part of…

This program evaluation report presents information on Project SKI*HI, a home-based program for infants and young children with hearing impairments and their families. The program's major goals are early identification of hearing-impaired infants and a home program to facilitate child development. A parent advisor makes weekly home visits to each…

A study analyzed how teachers evaluate and keep track of students' literacy development, particularly as it relates to the reading of literature. Fifty-one teachers from a range of school contexts were interviewed for descriptions of students' literacy development, teachers' knowledge of literature, classroom literacy teaching practice and…

A study examining the initial stages in the acquisition of the conditional system is reported. The objective was to discover how morphological productivity is related to the child's comprehension of the semantics of individual conditional types. Schachter's model of reality and unreality conditionals was used as a framework. Eight middle class,…

The report lists competencies for teachers in every day interactions with learning disabled students. Developed by a task force, the competencies are intended to serve as general guidelines. Information is presented on the goal, assessment competencies, and instructional competencies for the following areas: classroom management, spoken language,…

Composing the first volume in a proposed series, the eight papers collected here focus on the general theme of allowing children to have a childhood. The first paper urges that educators of young children communicate that they, as professionals, believe in and act on the basis of principles of child development. The second paper points out how…

Readiness activities for entry into first grade are outlined and discussed in this teacher's guide for planning and implementing a relevant curriculum for early childhood. Designed to focus on language, mathematics, science, and social studies, the activities described are divided into two major subject areas: language and mathematics. The…

A Navajo/English bilingual program uses the student's knowledge of his first language, offers the opportunity to speak in two languages, and helps the student move from the home experience to the school experience. It gives instruction in content materials to all students either in English or in Navajo and direct language instruction in both…

Compared the home environments and parent-child interaction patterns of 20 preschool language-delayed children, 20 normal preschoolers and 20 genetically handicapped children with Down's Syndrome. Data indicate that language delay had a stronger influence on mother-child relationship than did socioeconomic factors. (Author/SDH)

Five hearing impaired children (2 to 4 years old) were followed longitudinally while using a single channel, vibrotactile aid as a supplement to hearing aids. Standardized language tests (including the Scales of Early Communication Skills for Hearing Impaired Children, the Test for Auditory Comprehension of Language, and the Test for Auditory…

Intended for parents, this paper shares tips for seizing opportunities to insure success in reading for children, observing that the three areas which have surfaced as most critical to reading success are all dependent upon what parents do with their children at home. The paper lists reading to children, talking and listening to them, and helping…

This series of 12 short newsletters provides parents with information on their child's growth and development in each month of the child's first year. Specific information on the child's physical, social, emotional, and language development is provided, along with information on feeding and health issues. Each newsletter also focuses on a…

This article shows that bilingualism can be an enriching part of children's lives. A young child named Anna, living in a bilingual environment in which English and Finnish were spoken, was observed and her speech recorded. This discussion focuses on aspects of Anna's acquisition of language. Initial discussion works toward a definition of…

Designed to accompany the Project CONSTRUCT Validation Survey, this booklet begins with an overview that presents answers to commonly asked questions about the project, a process-oriented curriculum and assessment framework for working with children aged three to seven. The remainder of the booklet is divided into three sections which correspond…

The curriculum guide is intended to provide a strong, comprehensive preschool program for children with hearing impairments at the special school, the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School (District of Columbia). The curriculum offers the following: (1) necessary routines for organizing the school day; (2) intensive, ongoing use of…