The author states that the three purposes of the book are to suggest ways to promote effective communication in the elementary-school classroom, to indicate the speaking activities that are part of the language-arts program, and to note the part the classroom teacher plays in improving the child's speech. Many speech activities are suggested, but the important place of poetry is stressed. Poetry is far too frequently omitted from classroom- activities, partially because of teachers' lack of security in handling it with children; the author's treatment of this subject should help to bolster the confidence of young teachers and encourage them in the use of poetry. A chart lists the aims of speech education and information about the growth of children in language, and should be a helpful guide. A practical book with many examples of actual classroom experiences and school activities, of children's problems related to speech, and of faulty co-operation in dealing with such problems. The major responsibility, of course, for speech training in the school lies with the classroom teacher.