Communication and language arts are central in any consideration of the essential learning skills. This paper focuses on communication skills for fifth and sixth graders, particularly the language skills of speaking, reading, and writing for which schools assume major responsibility. The integral relationship between language abilities and critical thinking/study skills (skills crucial for fifth and sixth graders) is explored in some detail. The paper has two major aims: to present pertinent overviews of the literature and to discuss what is usually taught, and how it is taught, in each of the major language art areas; and to make specific recommendations about how The Essential Learning Skills Television Project can contribute to a discovery approach for teaching communication skills. (Author/VT)