Teachers using the whole-language approach to reading instruction (instead of phonics readers and worksheets) claim this practice is child centered, allows student reading choices, develops the whole child, makes learning relevant, and promotes a lifelong love of learning. Whole-language teachers should adopt a transactional pedagogy and link…

Argues that teachers must find ways to create a nurturing environment where feelings of self-worth are fostered and where intellectual curiosity and enjoyment of learning are developed. Contends that reading and writing should be taught in a way that fosters the development of autonomy in children. (MDM)

Explicates the principles underlying whole-language theory and practice to reduce misunderstandings and misapplications and to help teachers of students with learning disabilities provide rich literacy learning experiences for their students. (RS)

Presents a synthesis of the responses of 13 researchers in the field of language and literacy to the theme of this issue. Discusses the varying perspectives on literature-based instruction, the effect of language empowerment, language knowledge and reading/writing achievement, social context and cognition, and technology and education. Notes the…

Describes the Modified Guided Silent Reading Procedure (MGSR), which provides an instructional framework for teaching complex literacy and learning strategies to fluent readers of about nine years of age and above. Notes that the MGSR is student centered and consistent with beliefs about language and learning that underpin programs aligned to a…

Describes a project in which elementary school students create a computer-generated time line of milestones in their lives, noting such an activity can give them a good start on writing autobiographies. (SM)

In the Children's School, a pilot project in New York City's south Bronx neighborhood, a unique program for kindergarten to third grade students features whole-language approach. This philosophy puts children first and provides an environment that gives children varied choices for learning. (MLF)

Presents the Holistic Educational Literacy Process strategy for adult literacy education consisting of the following 10 steps: presenting an advance organizer; reading silently; reading aloud; listening to the passage recorded; listening and taking notes; highlighting important points; networking structures; summarizing the passage; revising the…

Presents an annotated list of associations, organizations, book publishing companies, children's bookstores, magazines, catalogs, and hot lines that can provide elementary and secondary teachers with more information on the whole-language approach to teaching and learning. (SM)

Clarifies the term "emergent literacy" and reviews significant informal assessment techniques, record-keeping systems, and reporting measures appropriate for emergent literacy. Discusses guidelines for whole-language assessment. Suggests areas of evaluation to be considered for inclusion in a locally developed emergent literacy assessment system.…

Presents a case study of a sixth grade teacher trying to increase her use of literature for language arts instruction. Shows the challenges and successes of attempting to get better at teaching. (PRA)

Drawing on specific examples in elementary school classrooms and flying instruction analogies, this article shows how teachers can creatively combine tenets of both holistic and direct approaches to reading instruction. Students are more likely to use reading and writing effectively when teachers themselves are empowered to select intelligently…

Describes a week-long, cross-curriculum project focused on the decade of the 1940s that was conducted at the Vandalia (Illinois) junior high school. Project goals, activities appropriate to each of the disciplines, lists of 1940s personalities, trends and events used to design lessons, and involvement of the wider community are covered. (eight…

Presents writing warm-up activities to help elementary students develop and polish their language skills. The warm-up activities focus on detail, descriptive dialog, memory writing, titles, punctuation, and vocabulary enhancement. The activities provide choices, present important ideas, and foster collaboration, responsibility, and trial and error…

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)