This document is an English-language abstract (approximately 1500 words) of a guide based on the results of experiments conducted by the Instituto Nacional de Pedagogia in its pilot school and other schools in Mexico, D. F. The foreword points out that there are two aspects of language teaching in elementary schools--the first year class to read and write, and from then on to increase the child's command of the language. The second year class is a transitional period between the study of reading and writing and the study of the language from the grammatical point of view, as well as composition and spelling. For the preparation of the guide, certain foreign pioneer efforts were drawn upon, such as Maillo, Camilli, Salotti-Tobar, and Picard. Emphasis is laid on the need to encourage both guided and spontaneous children's conversations, with the teacher providing correct use of the language. No less importance is given to reading in all its forms, such as "expressive reading". The guide compares the traditional approach to learning Spanish with the more contemporary natural, flexible one. Audiovisual aids and evaluation are also discussed in the guide. (Author/GDB)