Reflects on the role of literature in reading instruction. Reviews briefly research on whole language. Discusses the problems and promises of the whole-language approach and the use of children's literature in the classroom. (RS)

Presents annotations of 12 books, conference papers, and other materials concerning the reading/writing connection, literature-based reading, and whole language. (RS)

Reviews six professional books and classroom materials that could support teachers and other educators in making the transition from integrating reading and writing to a synthesis of language arts with other areas of the curriculum. (RS)

The effect of providing phonemic-awareness instruction at school entry on the reading and spelling progress of five-year olds was examined in a whole-language program with 81 subjects. Overall, training had significant effects on spelling and reading performance. (SLD)

Outlines four ways in which reading and writing are related. Identifies eight actions teachers should take to enhance literary development in their classrooms. Suggests two initiatives that teachers might take to enhance literacy in homes, schools, and communities. (PRA)

A whole language philosophy can guide the use of computers to enhance the teaching of composition and provide cautions against their misuse. A whole language classroom is student-centered. When computers are introduced into a classroom, the technology tends to draw attention to itself, making the machine the center of the lessons, forcing students…

Embracing aspects of both whole language and explicit instruction, this book discusses the creation of dynamic learning environments in which students discuss books, write for authentic audiences, and become published authors. Chapter 1 defines explicit instruction and whole language and discusses a combination approach, and it also includes a…

Presents five ways elementary teachers can enrich their students' fiction writing abilities: teach students to incorporate their own experiences; encourage students to do research; give students chances to read and discuss fiction related to their writing; and help students recognize story elements. (SM)

This book, which uses nursery rhymes as its literature base, represents a non-threatening approach to beginning reading for children in kindergarten through grade 3. The book uses a variety of cross-curricular activities which are built around four familiar nursery rhymes. The book's introduction describes how each rhyme may be used over a 5-day…

A practicum was designed to increase the writing opportunities of 37 prekindergarten children in three classes through staff development. Formal and informal surveys of prekindergarten teachers confirmed the need for more information on child development, the development of the writing process, and prekindergarten whole language. A series of…

Describes how elementary teachers can get good results using invented spelling in the classroom. The article presents the history of invented spelling and whole-language learning, then explains how to use core word lists, avoid sloppy drafts, conduct conferences, teach spelling effectively, and create a balance between writing and spelling. (SM)

Discusses whole-language learning in Indiana classrooms, its philosophical origin and appropriate educational environment. The article offers a set of beliefs about whole-language teaching and presents guidelines to help schools restructure their thinking about the curriculum and learning climate. (SM)

There is much more to a learning disabled (LD) child's successful learning than part-to-whole or whole-to-part instruction. Among the many factors to be considered are his/her learning style, interests, abilities, aptitudes, health, and parental support. Instructional programs for learning disabled children should be based on the students'…

This booklet discusses the "whole language" approach to language instruction, which teaches students "from whole to part" through the integration of the language processes of reading, writing, speaking, and listening with an emphasis on meaning and purpose. The booklet explains what whole language is, describes its use in the teaching/learning…

The creative writing process, like any writing process, begins with a prewriting activity. Story starters are one such activity which teachers can use to begin the creative writing process with their students. For example, large cartoon-like characters made on an opaque projector can be used to initiate discussion. The second step requires a…