Suggests that a new perspective is needed on the "great debate" in literacy instruction between whole language and phonics. Proposes an approach that integrates comprehension and decoding into a system designed around the principles of student-centered, authentic instruction in a socially engaging context. Considers the advantages of…

Describes, in a high school student's own words, how whole language and authentic writing helped the student move from wanting to drop out to wanting to become a writer. (SR)

The concept of whole language instruction is explained by means of examples from a kindergarten unit on the grocery store. Activities include visiting the supermarket, making stone soup, and creating a grocery store. Activities teach reading, writing, oral language, phonics, and word recognition. (DG)

The whole language approach considers it essential to make learning active, to be respectful of teachers and learners, to allow students to develop ownership and control of their language and learning, and to use a variety of subjects together holistically. (SK)

Reviews six professional books in three categories: three books written by teachers and other educators writing about their experiences in whole language classrooms, two instructional idea books written to help teachers implement specific areas of curriculum (biographies and poetry), and one book on current research. Reviews books and audiotapes…

Discusses the need for fundamental restructuring of language arts instruction. Discusses the benefits of the whole-language approach and the current problems with testing, use of instructional time, and the lack of teacher support. (PRA)

Reviews five professional books that examine a variety of theoretical, social and cultural issues related to assessment in schools and classrooms. Concludes that traditional literacy evaluation is more often a barrier than a help. (MG)

Suggests the integration of the methods relating to theories that underlie emergent literacy (such as whole language, literature-based instruction, process-conference writing, cooperative learning, and composition-based instruction) with established spelling practices (such as the direct study of a basic core vocabulary, application of proven…

Presents an annotated list of 13 books, 6 chapters, 6 articles, and a videotape that were recommended reading for elementary educators regarding reading to learn (content area reading, reading expository text, studying). (RS)

Describes the factors facilitating teacher change and the stages teachers go through when adopting classroom change. Reports the comments and insights of teachers who, having taken a graduate course in designing reading and prereading programs using a whole language approach, had begun to implement whole language learning in their classrooms. (CJS)

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)

Asserts that there is a gap between theory and practice in literature-based reading programs. States that too often, such programs lack an underlying theory and mimic methodology associated with basal programs. Describes the theoretical perspectives of Louise Rosenblatt, her principles of aesthetic teaching, examples from a fourth grade classroom,…

Describes the development and implementation of meaning-based reading instruction for a group of sixth-grade students with special learning needs. Provides details as to program design and describes a sample session. (SR)

Presents an ethnographic study of a first-grade whole-language classroom. Focuses on the teacher's philosophical evolution and the pivotal classroom interactions that served to translate her beliefs into practice. Notes that, even for a master teacher, the temptation to retain control was formidable. (RS)

Describes three teacher support groups, activities of which provide teachers with support in defining, implementing, and preserving programs that use whole-language methods, and are meaning centered and student focused. Also provides suggestions on starting a teacher support group. (BB)