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…

On April 8, 2016 when the class was discussing "digital literacy," a shocking news story from London AP intrigued us. The news was about a brief text message delivered by Ahmed, a refugee Afghan boy of 6-year old. His text message flashed on the cellphone of Liz Clegg, a volunteer at a migrant camp in France. Clegg and other volunteers…

Using communicative activities with learners from diverse cultures can create excitement and empathy while promoting the acquisition of English. This article offers ESL/EFL activities that foster interpersonal tolerance among students who have experienced intergroup conflict. The activities are based on the idea that there are four levels of…

This Digest focuses on using the language experience approach for teaching adult English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) learners. The language experience approach (LEA) ia a whole language approach that promotes reading and writing through the use of personal experiences and oral language. It can be used in tutorial or classroom settings with…

This teacher's guide presents activities designed to use student-created artwork and writing in the learning of English as a second language. It can also be adapted to other second languages and to all age groups from kindergarten through adults. The activities encourage students to produce drawings or writings based on their own experiences. They…

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…

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…

Rather than concentrate on ritual language and stock phrases, second-language teachers should utilize the language experience approach to help children develop more natural communication in active learning situations, using realistic settings and materials. (six references) (MDM)

Suggests that be sharing power in the classroom teachers allow the development of participatory classrooms in which all students can thrive. Examines participatory teaching and critical pedagogy, components of the participatory learning experience, manifestations of participatory teaching, an application of the language experience approach,…

This book focuses on functional and holistic approaches to English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) literacy, including competency-based education; whole language, language experience, and Freirean or participatory; and writing-based programs that result in published materials to be read by other adults. Chapter 1, "Literacy Through a…

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)

This article describes techniques used to teach English to a 16-year-old Hispanic who is deaf. The educational plan involved vocabulary development, noting similarities and differences between Spanish and English, use of a language experience approach with principles of Sheltered English, and respect for the student's native language and culture.…

Teaching techniques, lessons, and activities for teaching English as a second language (ESL) in grades K through 12 are suggested. Cross-cultural suggestions, supportive ethno-pedagogical methods, and ideas for implementing the language experience approach to reading are provided within the framework of an activity-based program and an…

If communicative competence is defined by and organized around culturally-framed and linguistically-patterned communicative plans and goals and the linguistic resources of interactive practices, then interaction in the classroom is employed to create social engagement in regularly occurring interactive practices where communicative learning can be…