This digest discusses various ways in which literature can be incorporated with world geography to make better connections across the curriculum. Reasons to use a literature-based approach to teach geography include: (1) there is a natural link between geography and literature; (2) the study of literature improves comprehension of geography; and…

Illustrating how dramatic storytelling can be used in the school or classroom, this book gives step-by-step guidelines for learning to tell stories and for teaching storytelling to students. The book provides more than 100 lesson-related whole language activities that can be used across the curriculum. The book also provides many examples and…

This book uses a child-initiated, whole language approach to help children have fun while exploring the world of science. The activities are divided into 23 units. Each unit begins with an "Attention Getter," the purpose of which is to introduce the unit to children in a way that grabs their attention, stimulates their interest, and creates…

The ability to deal effectively with student differences is crucial to teaching reading. Teachers must address the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students in the regular classroom. The ability of teachers to handle differences effectively translates into instructional practices that provide for each student's self-respect and that…

This digest argues that whole language theorists and adult education theorists have much in common, much to say to one another, and much to learn from one another. The digest first defines and discusses "whole language," then defines and discusses "andragogy," (the learning of adults) and finally asks educators to recognize…

A study explored 18 Georgia third graders' perceptions of literacy teaching and learning during the second year of their teacher's transition from a traditional, textbook-based approach to a whole language, literature-based approach. Data gathering included 8 months of observation and of in-depth interviews with students. Analysis revealed that…

Noting that existing research reveals considerable diversity among researchers' philosophical stances toward literature-based reading instruction versus traditional basal reading instruction, a study determined what effects literature-based instruction had on the reading achievement of fourth graders. Subjects, fourth-grade students of the John P.…

Noting that whole language is fast becoming a driving philosophy behind curriculum development, this paper discusses the whole language approach as used in public school systems, adult basic education (ABE), and English as a Second Language (ESL). The paper begins with a short summary of socio-psycholinguistics (the theory upon which whole…

A two-part study evaluated the effectiveness of Longfellow School's primary-grade whole-language literacy project. Part 1 of the study began in the academic year 1984-85 with children in standard English and bilingual classes in grade K-3. Over a 5-year period, a total of 1,021 individual assessments were carried out on 336 students. Data…

This document consists of three books in one. The first book is a reproducible book for students titled "Tiggy and Me and Butterfly, Too!" about traveling around the world. The second book, for the teacher, includes a guide to teaching the student's book and a comprehensive whole language, multicultural, multidisciplinary resource book. The third…

This report of qualitative findings, gathered from four sources, presents guidelines to promote implementation of whole language. The report uses Donald Ely's (1990) conditions for change as a framework. These conditions are: dissatisfaction with the status quo, the existence of knowledge and skills, availability of time and resources,…

A practicum sought to measure and document real learning in natural circumstances through the use of whole language assessment techniques involving observation checklists on which skills for the language arts (writing, spelling, reading) were listed. Skills were measured using descriptor words such as "stable,""evident," and…

In considering the issue of language and literacy, the following factors must be addressed: the nature of learning; the relationship between reading and learning; effective strategies and practices which promote literacy; and the responsibility of schools. Of the reading approaches and strategies which have been developed and implemented in an…

This serial issue deals with how to integrate a whole language approach in secondary schools. Following a short outline of the differences between whole language principles and skills-based precepts, key tenets of whole language are briefly discussed. The next section of the issue deals with principal-teacher partnerships, and these are followed…

The two documents in this packet both focus on English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) tutoring in the Cheltenham Township, Pennsylvania, area. The bibliography contains approximately 275 references categorized as follows: integrated texts; language skills (separate sections on grammar, pronunciation, and listening); idioms; reading and writing;…