Whole language is a response to the increased knowledge base about language, literacy, and learning. Whole language educators believe that teachers should have direct access to this knowledge base and be supported in their efforts to use it to inform instructional decisions. This response stands in contrast to more traditional responses in which…

Although parallel block scheduling continues to benefit student learning, it is challenged to meet the needs of new educational programs, particularly whole language and interdisciplinary instruction. Two illustrated blocks show how teachers can effectively divide their time between whole-group and small-group instruction and integrate science and…

This book is based on the premise that learning in young children takes place through participation in purposeful activity and the learning process includes building on what children already know and enabling children to take responsibility for their own learning. It focuses not just on recent pedagogical developments in science, but shows,…

Discusses the whole-language approach to education at the middle school level, introducing concepts and techniques that teachers can employ to implement whole-language learning in their classrooms. Notes that, even in departmentalized schools with short class periods, teachers can use many of these ideas in whatever subject they teach. (MDM)

Advises teachers trying to understand the whole-language approach to not expect to become a whole-language expert immediately; make learning real; make students responsible for daily routines; talk to parents about their children; beware of publishers and workshops that are whole language in name only; and develop a community of readers and…

This book uses a child-initiated, whole language approach to help children have fun while exploring the world of science. The activities are divided into 23 units. Each unit begins with an "Attention Getter," the purpose of which is to introduce the unit to children in a way that grabs their attention, stimulates their interest, and creates…

Although the whole language perspective requires no money, it does involve "kid watching," or knowledge of individual class members and their interests. As the experiences of two elementary teachers illustrate, educators need only look to their own backyards and to past/present historical events for rich instructional material. Includes three…

Use of classic book units with gifted elementary students is described as an interdisciplinary approach to stimulating student interest. Sample activities are offered from a unit on Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn," with linguistic, artistic-creative, scientific, mathematical, and socio-leadership activities, classified as application,…

Discusses the use of literature in the whole-language approach. Examples show the integration of a second grader's experiences with the curriculum; integrating the language arts in the middle school via study of the author as well as the book; and the integration of literature into the study of history. Titles to use in each area are suggested.…

Using literature as a natural catalyst in an interdisciplinary approach, teachers can effectively bring the basics of reading, writing, and mathematics together to provide a learning atmosphere that promotes risk-taking as a natural and necessary part of learning. Integrating these areas throughout the curriculum enables students to develop a…

With the current emphasis on whole language, the use of children's literature as the basis for reading instruction is widespread. Theme units have been suggested as one way to provide stimulating opportunities for children to explore and learn. Whole language based literature theme units emphasize process more than product. Units are designed to…

Compares the philosophies of whole-language instruction and outdoor education. Both incorporate other subjects in a theme approach, use meaningful materials, are student-centered, and are process-oriented. An outline of a teaching unit based on the story "Sarah Plain and Tall" integrates whole language and outdoor education. (KS)

This resource book provides specific strategies and activities for integrating the intermediate geography curriculum with related children's literature selections. The book includes the following sections: (1) "World Geography Overview"; (2) "Oceans"; (3) "Polar Regions"; (4) "Islands"; (5) "Rain Forests"; (6) "Mountains"; (7) "Forests"; (8)…

This book highlights ways in which science instruction benefits from the perspectives of teachers committed to whole language. The introductory chapter starts from a viewpoint outside the classroom and seeks to identify overall patterns while the remaining chapters build from experiences in individual classrooms. This book assumes that teachers…

Exploring what it means for teachers to generate curriculum with their students and to share the responsibility and joys of deciding what and how students learn, this book describes teachers' own experiences in generating curriculum that integrates social studies, literacy, and whole language. The book presents practical ideas that teachers across…