This project explores the understanding of early year's teachers regarding whole language approach and its implementation. A total of 200 questionnaires were delivered to teachers at nurseries and kindergartens in an EFL (English as a Foreign Language) context. 169 questionnaires were completed and analysed. The findings shows that an overwhelming…

A primary-grade teacher describes how she uses singing to teach phonics in her classroom. Notes how children are helped to integrate the three cuing systems of language--semantic, syntactic, and graphophonemic--as they read and sing together. (ET)

This document consists of the six issues of "NCLEnotes", the newsletter of the National Clearinghouse on ESL (English as a Second Language) Literacy Education (an adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse) published during the three-year period 1991-1993. Major articles in these issues include: "Issues in Literacy Education"; "The…

A kindergarten teacher recounts her classroom experience introducing children to reading via the whole language approach, which is based on the belief that children learn to read and write naturally by listening, watching, speaking, and writing. Classroom photographs and samples of student work illustrate the article. (DB)

Methods used for teaching children to read could be the whole language approach, or the phonics approach, or maybe a balance of both. This paper is a discussion of appropriate and effective teaching practices through interesting methods such as music, the use of culturally diverse materials, and the role of toys and television as they relate to…

Discusses ways that whole-language teachers can address the concerns raised by administrators, parents, and other teachers about the physical environment and noise level in the classroom. Notes that teachers using whole-language approaches often need to explain and justify their expertise and teaching methods to individuals not familiar with the…

In a truly balanced literacy program, how teachers teach is as important as what they teach. This article focuses on issues related to teaching basic skills with literature, effective grouping and planning, covering content, and dealing with student assessment. Five rules of thumb for maintaining balance are listed. (SM)

Discusses ways that whole-language teachers can address the concerns raised by parents and others about why they do not teach phonics in isolation, drill students on sight words, or expect word-perfect oral reading. Notes that teachers often need to explain and justify their expertise and teaching methods to individuals not familiar with the…

At times, the whole-language approach to language teaching has been misunderstood. It is a philosophy more than a method or an instructional trend and is more than its separate elements: thematic, authentic, integrated, interactive. Many teachers who embrace the philosophy underlying the approach see their teaching not as promoting whole-language…

Discusses the use of mini-lessons within thematic units as forums for language learning and content development for intermediate grade students with hearing impairments. A project to enhance the language arts curriculum at the Nebraska School for the Deaf uses the whole language mini-lessons to work on skill development, clarify misunderstandings,…

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is examined from the standpoint of teaching reading, and strategies are offered for teaching youngsters who are having difficulty reading due to ADD. Examples of students and scenarios are included. A definition of ADD is presented, along with symptoms that are consistent with inattention and disorganization that…

Reexamines the pros and cons of traditional basal reader and literature-based reading programs and those based on the whole language approach. Compares and contrasts classroom teaching methods, goals, and some outcomes. Includes Venn diagram showing overlap and divergence of whole language, literature-based, and traditional basal methods. (ET)

Discusses ways that whole-language teachers can address the concerns raised by parents and others about why they do not teach spelling and handwriting in isolation but as part of various reading and writing activities. Notes that teachers often need to explain and justify their expertise and teaching methods to individuals not familiar with the…

A survey of 31 teachers nominated as "effective" in teaching literacy skills to elementary students with reading disabilities found teachers reported instructional practices that included components of whole language and direct instruction approaches. In general, the greater the needs of students, the more direct instruction they…

Illustrates strategies for the practical application of a whole-language approach in the second- or foreign-language classroom. Both first- and second-language teachers were interviewed and observed for the study. Provides practical whole-language activities appropriate for secondary- or university-level classes. (Author/JL)