Discusses collaboration between teachers and students and among students. Presents classroom strategies that use the principles of collaboration in the whole-language class. (MG)

"Between the Lions" is an award-winning PBS television series based on a comprehensive literacy curriculum that combines phonics and whole language. This guide has been created to help first grade teachers use "Between the Lions" in their classrooms to enhance their reading lessons. The guide is filled with engaging activities,…

Describes a unique language learning activity using the whole language approach in a tertiary level lower advanced reading and speaking course. Following a semester long theme on crime and punishment, students were introduced to an authentic, idiomatic text dealing with a famous murder case in U.S. history. (Author/VWL)

Uses boxes, bottles, bags, brochures, and other print materials to create more interesting and more effective whole language lessons. (MG)

This article describes the whole-language philosophy of teaching reading and writing and its application to teaching braille reading to blind children. It suggests activities that are effective for enhancing the development of early reading behaviors in children who use braille and that integrate the critical components of literacy learning with…

There is continuous debate about which word recognition techniques should be taught, especially to early primary grade pupils. All learning activities provided in reading instruction should: (1) be meaningful; (2) have perceived purpose; (3) be interesting; (4) stress understandings, skills, and affective goals; (5) provide for individual…

A study was conducted concerning the reduced and limited curricula which tests may represent. Observations were made at 18 different elementary and middle school classrooms in four school districts in central Pennsylvania during the language arts instructional period. All of the teachers were involved in promoting a holistic approach to literacy.…

Fourteen holistic, meaning-based reading and writing activities appropriate for students with learning disabilities are described, along with the theoretical background of the paradigm. As children experiment, approximate, and discover language naturally and socially, their immersion in authentic spoken and written language facilitates learning to…

Provides before-, during-, and after-reading strategies to help students develop reading goals, monitor comprehension, and reflect on what they read. A reading wheel and student pages encourage practice of new strategies. Across the curriculum strategies are included for building comprehension in other curriculum areas. (SM)

Considers the metaphors used to reflect on and guide literacy teaching and learning in the early years. Offers a critical examination of scaffolding, currently a very popular metaphor. Argues that this concept alone cannot capture the challenge of responding to the diversity of young children's intentions in literacy activities. Suggests a…

In the 1988-89 school year, a teacher introduced whole language learning to teach reading and writing in her classroom while documenting and then evaluating its effect on a 12-year-old special needs student named Debbie. According to formal testing, Debbie was functioning in the moderately handicapped range of ability, and her speech and language…

The purpose of the study was to describe teachers' perceptions and experiences in implementing whole language activities in their kindergarten and elementary classrooms. Ten teachers who were part of a pilot whole language program participated in the study. Throughout the 1989-1990 school term, data were collected through teacher questionnaires…

Identifies key premises from whole language theory relative to (1) language and language acquisition; (2) reading and writing processes; (3) teaching and learning; and (4) curriculum. Notes that these premises provide direct assistance to teachers in planning literature-based instruction. Discusses questions and underlying principles using…

Four K-3 teachers (Brevard County School District) described their experiences using whole language programs. They had in common a child-centered attitude; an initial experience of frustration followed by encouragement from the children's excitement and involvement in learning; and an approach that began with the writing process and moved to…

Noting that recent developments in computer technology facilitate the integration of media in literacy development, this paper reviews 18 items of courseware designed to promote literacy development within a whole language framework. The reviews are divided into four sections dealing with the following topics: (1) idea processors and the…