Once again, this comprehensive, easy-to-read text explores the way in which children learn language, the way language is taught to children, and how these two roads to language sometimes diverge—always giving equal treatment to first and second language learning. Piper tracks language acquisition, from birth through the school years, presenting numerous cases studies of children's experiences as a means of illustrating stages of language development and the sequence of skills attainment. In addition, she thoroughly covers bilingualism, paying particular attention to the differences between second language learning at home and in a school setting.