Comments on Scarborough and Dobrich review in this issue (PS522390), which found that parents' shared book reading with preschoolers accounts for only 8% of the variance on literacy outcome measures. Addresses the following three points: (1) the merits of further attention to shared book reading; (2) improvements in methodology; and (3) the…

Responds to commentaries (PS522392 and PS522391) on the Scarborough and Dobrich review on the efficacy of reading to preschool children in this issue (PS522390). Provides additional details regarding the computation of average effects and the comparison of effect sizes, and offers additional comments about the contribution of home literacy…

Fifty-two severely handicapped children (ages 3-12) were trained on communication skills using microprocessor technology. Positive effects were found for the additional computer language training, especially on the specific vocabulary taught, a cluster of general language measures, and teacher and parent measures of social interaction skills. (DB)

A review of research on children's symbolic play discusses ways for teachers to (1) defend the inclusion of play in the curriculum; (2) understand and respect differences in the ways children play; and (3) facilitate play in the classroom. Discusses the complexity of play and the controversy about play as part of the curriculum. (GLR)

Attributes comparative policy inattention to linguistically and culturally diverse preschoolers to several causes including widely held personal beliefs, political ideologies, misperceptions about demographics, and academic disciplinary fragmentation. Explores the current state of today's practice and suggests four fundamental issues that must be…

This article reviews research findings on the types of abuse known to occur in day care; the dynamics involved, including the types of threats used to silence young victims; patterns of disclosure; implications for clinical evaluation of preschool-aged children in suspected cases; and influence on psychosexual development and the development of…

A discussion of the Linguistic Coding Deficit Hypothesis presents an overview of the theory; describes five prototypes of second-language learners, each illustrated by a distinct language processing profile; and examines how the ability to identify prototypes can help teachers interpret student difficulties and design instruction to address them.…

This study found that naturalistic conversation training improved the spontaneous speech production of two children (ages three and four) with speech production disabilities. (Author/DB)

Summaries of seven language-related research projects are presented from Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Topics include a lexicon of Kelabit, cognitive theory for second-language acquisition, academic writing in Filipino, cultural politics of English instruction, use of conjunctions, and communicative grammar. (LB)

A case is made against the use of computer-assisted text analysis, including style analyzers and grammar checkers, with nonproficient second-language or basic-skills student writers. The inaccuracy of analysis, limited feedback, and type of revision behavior encouraged are cited. (33 references) (Author/LB)

A total of 86 girls of 2 to 6 years completed Level 1 spatial and affective perspective-taking tasks. Results showed increasingly accurate performance with age. Task intercorrelations and factor analyses provided support for the coherence of the Level 1 perspective-taking construct. (Author/BB)

Describes the Canadian program of French immersion in terms of current issues in the theory of second-language (L2) learning, including the role of consciousness, optimal timing of L2 learning, communicative competency classification, and the role of the first language. Implications for L2 pedagogy and requirements for a new language pedagogy are…

Describes the Punana Leo Immersion Schools in Hawai'i, founded in 1983 by a group of Hawai'ian-language educators concerned about the impending extinction of their language. A second part describes two of the teachers and their philosophy about imparting language skill through spirit and culture. Sidebar describes the Advocates for Indigenous…

Examines understanding of the British National Curriculum for English at Key Stage 2. Surveys literature and teachers' experiences to determine what primary teachers understand by English subject knowledge, how they think it should be taught, and how they think pupils learn English most effectively. Considers definition of basic skills and the…

Discusses emergent literacy development, which includes meaningful literacy-related activities involving oral language, reading, and writing. Offers suggestions for fostering children's development in each area, such as the use of picture books and puppets for vocabulary development; reading aloud and discussing children's literature; and…