Language and Learning: The Home and School Years (2nd Edition)

Maintaining that language is uniquely human (despite chimp sign language), and that there are more parallels than differences between first and second language acquisition, Piper (Memorial U. of Newfoundland) traces children's stages of linguistic and cognitive development through diverse examples. Through chapter-end discussion questions and principles for reconciling home and classroom learning, he presents theoretical and pedagogical perspectives. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

This foundations book takes an integrative approach to how children learn language, how it is taught, and how the two are sometimes at odds. It tracks language acquisition from birth through the school years, using experiences of a number of different children to exemplify stages and sequences of development. Presents a balanced perspective on the whole language/phonics debate that makes it acceptable to people on either side of the debate. Elementary school/language teachers and anyone involved in children's language development.