Presents some solutions to the problem of working with new limited English proficient students in a junior high school developmental reading class. Characterizes the plan as similar to that used for beginning English speaking reading. (RS)

Examines why the whole-language approach to literacy development has failed, presenting several definitions of whole language, discussing some of the research on whole language and whether it works, and providing information about the impact of whole language in California (which suggests that California's reading-performance problems are not…

Argues that teachers can help students develop writing competence by stressing social aspects of language and learning. Describes the mutual teacher-student negotiation observed in two elementary schools. Shows that student writing can improve through the creation of a community of children supportive of one another's language efforts. (SG)

Describes a summer school English-as-a-Second-Language classroom that uses a content-rich whole language curriculum. Highlights experiences that were successful in facilitating literacy development, including reading experiences, writing experiences, talking and reading, and talking and writing. Discusses the effectiveness of the instructional…

A curriculum designed by the Maury, Tennessee, Literacy Council to address deficiencies in English-language skills is presented. Maury County, Tennessee, is a rural area south of Nashville whose automotive industries and ethnic restaurants have immigrant populations in need of English instruction. A state 353 teacher training grant was obtained to…

Innovative methods and strategies are described for teaching writing to potentially English proficient (PEP) students (also known as "limited English proficient"), who may or may not be literate in their native language, using holistic natural approaches. The approaches are based on the premise that students acquire language (speaking,…

This newsletter issue focuses entirely on classroom instruction in adult basic education (ABE) and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) programs. The first article, "Whole Language and Adult Literacy Education" (Kazemek), describes 10 principles of holistic language education and how they may be translated into actual classroom practice.…

Ways that a secondary English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teacher can put into practice the principles of the whole-language approach were investigated as part of a larger ethnographic case study of ESL classrooms of Southeast Asian students. The case illustrates the potential of whole language and indicates the need for appropriate reading/writing…

Describes implementation of a whole-language approach in a middle school that has a majority of students for whom English is a second language. The transitional English program for sixth graders used high-interest, high-action novels in combination with a writing program and portfolios. (SLD)

This booklet provides strategies for implementing whole-language reading and writing in classroom and tutorial settings for at-risk learners, with a focus on migrant students. The whole-language approach integrates reading, writing, listening, and speaking into language arts, social studies, science, and other content areas. Within an environment…

"WATESOL" is an acronym for "Washington Area Teachers of English To Speakers of Other Languages." This document consists of the only three issues of the "WATESOL Journal" published from 1989 through 1994. Fall 1989 includes: (1) "The Visual Voices of Nonverbal Films" (Salvatore J. Parlato); (2)…

In an effort to support Spanish and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) literacy education and to help preserve the dignity and identity of the Hispanic community in Central Pennsylvania, a literacy program was established and staffed by volunteers and paid employees. Beginning with two students and a volunteer tutor, the class has grown into a…

This paper explores the whole language approach to teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in the context of gender issues. More specifically, this study is focused on teaching ESL to university freshman in Taiwan. The whole language approach is used for two reasons: language can best be learned when it kept as a whole--especially with…

A study examined the English literacy development of English-Spanish bilingual students beginning formal transition into English literacy in a whole language classroom. The subjects were 26 Mexican-American third-graders. The curriculum had four components: theme-based literacy activities; teacher reading; free reading; and free writing.…

Five approaches currently used in adult English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) literacy instruction are described. A group of strategies developed by Paulo Freire are participatory or learner-centered, and revolve around the discussion of issues drawn from learners' real-life experiences. The Whole Language Approach, more than a specific method or…