programs, materials and techniques

Abstract

The first review this month is of the series, Developing Oral Language in Young Children. There is more to these workbooks and teachers' manuals than meets the eye because "oral language" is a springboard for discussions of several other subject areas. Those who like practical activities will find some good material in Eldon Elkwall's Locating and Correcting Reading Difficulties and even more in Marciene Mattleman's 101 Activities for Teaching Reading. National Geographic has provided us with yet another set of Books for Young Explorers, while Carol Chomsky opened our eyes with her investigations into The Acquisition of Syntax in Children from 5 to 10. By contrast, Developing Language Programs for Young Disadvantaged Children and Guide to an Effective Kindergarten Program offer sound information for the teachers of the younger set. We swing back to teenagers' and older students' needs in A Time To Learn, an important book on study skills and personal effectiveness. Also related to the needs of older students is a followup on The Validity of Occupational Aptitude Tests. The Life-Space Survey by R. Heckelman is a unique test that assesses a child's relationships and attitudes within his local environment. The Smoking Scene is a part of that environment you may wish to counter. Understanding Young Children is a fine series of booklets on child development, handicaps, and how to work with them— for teachers, parents and other care givers. Finally / was spurred by an article / recently read to discuss my own similar views on the effective Counseling of Parents.