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The article is based on a study which assessed the effects of expectation and opportunity for boys' and girls' literacy learning experiences, and showed differences between boys and girls literacy experiences.

An experiment using music to teach English-as-a-second langauge to elementary aged children. All the students were native Spanish-speaking first graders. The author explains how the students are expected to learn Spanish writing and reading first but then switch to an English curriculum. She used songs and music to help them transition to English. Overall every student was successfully singing nine songs in English by the end of the experiment. Available on ERIC.ed.gov ERIC #ED371571

This article explores the differences in literacy experiences between males and females. Students in particular. It is relatively easy to read, and is about 10 pages long. It seems to be geared towards teachers, but we as students, researching literacy, can gain a lot as well.

Leland discusses how talking down to elderly people, "elderspeak," has a negative effect on their health and outlook of life. These negative effects lead to decreased self-esteem, depression, and even a reduction in life expectancy. Most people actually get infuriated when they are talked to like a child, and say it is an insult to their integrity. Dr. Becca Levy of Yale University says health care workers are some of the worst offenders of elderspeak and are unaware of the negative implication it has on patients, that such patronizing language gives the message that patients are incompetent.

Wilder discusses how the communication problems with health professional can negatively impact the outcome of medical care for patients with low health literacy skills. Because of the way health information is presented by clinicians, patients have trouble comprehending what is said. Because patients are expected to play an active role in their own medical care and treatment, it is necessary that health information be given in ways that patients and families can understand. Low literacy gets in the way of good health care and leads to more health problems in patients. Wilder makes a good case for the importance of good communication techniques in health matters.