There is a widespread consensus in the research community that reading instruction in English should first focus on teaching letter (grapheme) to sound (phoneme) correspondences rather than adopt meaning-based reading approaches such as whole language instruction. That is, initial reading instruction should emphasize systematic phonics. In this…

Presents key aspects of the whole-language perspective; describes examples of whole-language principles in practice in elementary, secondary and adult English-as-a-Second-Language programs; and reviews recent whole-language research on second-language development. (56 references) (VWL)

A review of recent literature on the whole language approach to second language teaching focuses on the value of the approach for English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) learning. It examines research and theory dating back to 1977 on various aspects of the first- and second-language learning environment and process in children. Based on this review,…

Current research has fragmented educators' vision of both written language and development. A more integrative vision, one that preserves the integrity of written language as a symbol system, is based on five principles that characterize written language development: (1) the establishment of equivalences; (2) exploration and orchestration of the…

In this article, the authors assess the evidence related to various instructional styles for teaching reading to children with learning disabilities. Results of the literature review indicate that whole language and direct instruction are the two major approaches to teaching reading. Whole language has proven successful for many students with…

A review of the literature focuses on the use of the whole language approach to second language teaching in reading instruction for students of English as a Second Language (ESL). First, research on the whole language approach is explored, particularly as it has been used to teach reading. The approach itself is explained, and growth in its use is…

This article for speech language pathologists discusses theories of language learning and use that are consistent with whole language, including lexical contrast, connectionism, schemata, event representations, and parsing. Direct application is made to intervention, and examples of interactions between speech language pathologists and children…

A discussion of spelling instruction for learners of English as a second language (ESL) looks at writing systems, the literature of ESL instruction, and the literature of English language arts in general. It begins with a typology of writing systems, examining how they represent both grammatical and phonological features. The nature of English…

Reviews the challenges that college-level English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) programs present to instructors and students. Offers suggestions for authentic language experiences in classroom settings. Analyzes the literature on language and literacy, whole language, and learning styles. Offers examples of thematic units tailored to elicit authentic…

Illustrates strategies for the practical application of a whole-language approach in the second- or foreign-language classroom. Both first- and second-language teachers were interviewed and observed for the study. Provides practical whole-language activities appropriate for secondary- or university-level classes. (Author/JL)

This article discusses the concept of world knowledge and its relevance to intervention processes. Roles of linguistic and physical context in interpretation and levels of speaker experience are discussed. Levels of involvement are related to communication goals, and these principles are extended to applications in the teaching of language skills.…

Balanced reading instruction proposes an alternative to phonics only or whole language only programs; offers an efficient mixture of instructional approaches; and reconciles an array of learning styles. Although this balanced approach can not be interpreted monolithically, due to the various ways that whole language and phonics can be taught and…

English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) student writers are often labeled as having poor language proficiency skills, poor writing skills, and poor organizational skills. These labels can negatively affect teachers and students. They have become yardsticks for guiding teachers' instruction and measuring students' performance. Often, ESL writing…

A review of selected research studies and practices on the teaching of literacy to limited English proficient (LEP) students suggests that there is considerable variation in the way literacy is defined. Several methods currently being used to develop LEP students' literacy skills are reviewed. Many LEP students continue to be taught reading skills…

Reviews the limited research on language and literacy instruction of Mexican-American secondary students. Emerging themes indicate that secondary bilingual programs are few; English-as-a-Second-Language is the most widely used approach for developing language skills; schools that are effective with limited-English-speaking students use more…