language acquisition

Offers teachers of English language learners strategies to help their students make a smoother transition to English by starting with the literacy knowledge they bring from their native language.

Presents statistical evidence to support the author's contention that children in the U.S. are reading at the same or a better level than they did a generation ago; and argues that the literacy crisis has been brought on not by poor achievement, but by a simple lack of books.

Explains and clarifies the meaning of the whole language approach.

Suggests ways the whole language theory in education can be put into practice in classrooms.