The language experience approach (LEA) to reading instruction uses learner-dictated passages to foster reading development. In this study, researchers explored LEA instruction for English learners with exceptional needs that were supported by voice typing, word prediction, and screen reading tools. A multiple baseline design was used to…

Discusses some of the inherent problems of teaching Indochinese refugees in schools without ESL (English as a Second Language) programs. Considers the strengths and weaknesses of using the language experience approach with Indochinese refugees. (JT)

The Language Experience Approach (LEA) to teaching reading in English as a second language is described. LEA uses the student's own experiences, vocabulary, and language patterns to create texts for reading instruction. Three stages are defined for assessing learners' levels of language use. The LEA instructional procedures are designed to be…

Research in psycholinguistics and learning theory is reviewed to support the integration of oral and written language skills, and the language experience approach (LEA) is recommended for secondary school second language instruction. This approach incorporates listening, speaking, reading, and writing in purposeful communication. Students use the…

An exploratory study of the feasibility of the Language Experience Approach (LEA) for teaching reading to semi-literate students of English as a second language (ESL) is presented. The instructional approach uses knowledge and interests from the students' own experience as the basis for teaching reading comprehension. The method was used with two…

In Luxembourg, children learn to read in two languages beyond their native Luxemburgish. Beginning in the first grade, children start on German, and in second grade, they begin the study of French and continue to study the two languages intensively throughout the elementary school years. How do elementary school teachers approach such a formidable…

Reviews basic procedures and theories supporting the Language Experience Approach as it applies to second language learning and literacy instruction. (Author/VWL)

Guidelines for teaching reading in bilingual elementary school programs stress the need for language experiences that allow students to think in the second language. Evaluation measures other than standardized tests for assessing progress are suggested. (PMJ)

Describes the steps in a Language Experience Approach (LEA) to teaching English-as-a-Second-Language lesson, suggests different starters and followup activities for LEA lessons, and indicates ways of handling some problems. (seven references) (Author)

The purpose of this manual, which accompanies a video program, is to provide general background information for foreign language teachers who are, or soon will be, teaching in total, partial, or two-way immersion classrooms. Part of a series of video programs, this manual highlights special considerations in teaching language arts in kindergarten…

In learning to read a nonnative language, the learner's ability to achieve meaning is hampered if adequate preparation or readiness for reading is neglected. A review of the literature pertaining to second language learning and reading in a second language has identified five principles that appear to be significant in providing effective reading…

Articles in these two issues of the newsletter on teaching adult literacy in English as a Second Language (ESL) address the following topics: (1) using time cards and paychecks in the classroom; (2) phonics and reading instruction; (3) dyslexia and ESL adult literacy; (4) a conference session on directions in adult literacy research; (5) literacy…

The curriculum materials in this guide are drawn mainly from in-depth interviews with six persons, five of whom live in the Germantown or Logan sections of Philadelphia and all of whom represent some of the diverse cultural backgrounds found in these two neighborhoods. In addition to the stories of these six persons, six additional stories present…

This guide is intended for adult educators who work with limited English-speaking students in need of special literacy instruction. It was developed as an outgrowth of classes with adult English as a Second Language (ESL) students from diverse cultural backgrounds. Many of the students had little formal schooling in their native languages. The…

This manual addresses a variety of issues in the recruitment and training of volunteer English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teachers. Sections on general topics focus on: recruiting tutors, recruiting students, determining when and where to train volunteers, developing the training workshop agenda, evaluating the workshop, introducing the training…