Examines the philosophy of the whole-language approach to teaching and learning. Whole language stresses that language should remain whole and uncontrived and children should use it in ways that relate to their own lives. Answers are not as important as learning processes in the whole-language approach. (SM)

Describes the experiences of first grade teachers who use the whole-language approach to teaching and learning. Learning involves students participating in activities they find meaningful and sharing knowledge with their peers. Students must exercise initiative in learning, and they are responsible for making choices. (SM)

Describes experiences of a fifth grade teacher who converted her classroom to a whole language teaching and learning environment. In her child-centered classroom, she emphasizes student empowerment and decision making, cooperative learning, and flexibility. Her top priority is for students to participate and learn critical thinking and…

A program was designed to improve the reading skills of the second grade at-risk students in a suburban K-6 elementary school located northwest of Chicago, Illinois. The second grade at-risk students could not read fluently at the conclusion of the academic school year, and consequently did not exhibit strong reading comprehension skills. A…

Describes middle and high schools in Upper Arlington (Ohio) that use the whole-language approach to teaching and learning. The schools emphasize student-centered education, cooperative learning, and student involvement in decision making. The curriculum is fully integrated, with writing used as a learning tool in all subject areas. (SM)