Exploring Language With Children

Based on an examination of research on the language acquisition of children, the articles in this book are organized into three interrelated sections. Section one, "Language and the Young Language Learner," focuses on what and how children learn as they begin to acquire their language. The topic of language differences is also explored. Articles in section two, "Language Growth in Educational Environments," center on creating in the school environment a context that will foster the further language development of children. Some articles focus on the beginnings of reading and writing in the very young child; others present implications for language arts education--speaking, reading, writing--applicable to the full range of students in the elementary school. The final section,"Evaluation in Language Education," deals with techniques and issues related to accountability in the language arts and points to new directions in the search for information about how children learn and develop language. (HO)

Nurturing All Young Children's Language and Literacy Skills Discover innovative ways to support the many aspects of children's language and literacy development--oral language, reading, and writing. The articles in this collection emphasize meeting children's unique needs, supporting dual language learners, and partnering with families to support children's development. Specific topics include how teachers can - Increase children's vocabulary through conversations and storybook reading - Communicate with infants who have developmental delays - Promote preschoolers' fine motor development to prepare them for writing - Incorporate poetry and nonfiction into primary classrooms Included is a professional development guide with questions and activities to help readers reflect on current teaching practices and inspire them to incorporate new ones.

This book is based on the belief that deep subject knowledge of language and literature provides a foundation for effective teaching and learning. It provides a comprehensive guide to the range of genres and characteristic features of English language fiction written for children. It will help readers to: o develop their understanding of literature within social, cultural and political reading practices o extend their knowledge of language features and conventions of different genres o develop skills in analytical and critical reading. The scope of the first edition has been expanded from solely fiction to cover a range of contemporary literature, including poetry, plays and picture books. The case study material, investigative activities and practical exercises promote an active approach to learning. The second edition focuses on a range of fiction relevant to the National Curriculum for England and the National Literacy Strategy. It provides examples from a range of world literature written in English. Examples from work in translation are also included. It also addresses the requirements of the primary curriculum for ITT English. This book is essential reading for student teachers on PGCE, and undergraduate teacher education courses, and for teachers undertaking CPD in English, literacy or children's literature. It provides useful support material for language coordinators, SCITT coordinators and literacy consultants.

This accessible and engaging textbook offers a practical approach to understanding the complexity of language by exploring language use and language learning in a wide variety of contexts. Bringing together leading specialists who are active researchers in the field of linguistics, this book introduces readers to major fields of language study by focusing on social, cultural and historical factors that show the dynamic nature of language. Topics explored include first and second language acquisition, grammar, meaning-making and pragmatics, language use and technology, language variation, and English as a global language. This book surveys major principles and shows how to apply them through structured discussion topics and activities to facilitate a greater understanding and appreciation of language. This is essential reading for undergraduate students taking courses in linguistics and language use, and a valuable resource for students of communication studies, media studies, sociology and anthropology.

Introduces the key concepts of linguistics and applies these concepts to real-world settings. Numerous learning features provide extensive student support.

Talking Like Children is a series of captivating stories that show how age comes to be. Elise Berman analyzes adoption negotiations, efforts to keep food, and debates about supposed child abuse. In these situations, age differences emerge through the decisions people make, the emotions they feel, and the power they gain.

Shows parents how to help their child communicate and learn language during everyday activities.