This book helps teachers and media directors to use children's literature to enrich elementary reading programs and to pursue sound educational objectives as they share the books and stories. It provides activities designed to expand and enrich the opportunities for children to become literate. It is a tool which addresses the need for children to…

There seems to be a pendulum in the field of education that sways from one extreme to another when a teaching method is introduced. The whole language concept caught on, and phonics instruction was then considered defunct. The pendulum now in the process of swinging back is being intercepted, before it goes to the extreme of "all…

Considering the debate in reading instruction between whole language and phonics, this paper suggests personalizing the teaching of reading using both methods of reading instruction. It gives two examples of how personalized units of reading instruction were used. The paper suggests giving pupils ample opportunities to choose and read a library…

This book examines the studies of leading researchers who have testified in various hearings and promoted policy and legislation on behalf of skills-emphasis learning, especially those financed by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). The book not only identifies each claim, it also analyzes the research that backs…

Much is written and spoken about in terms of whole language versus phonics in early reading instruction in the public schools, but the issue between whole language versus phonics probably pertains to what is needed by individual pupils. There are advantages as well as disadvantages for whole language approaches in reading instruction. Needs differ…

Principles of whole-language instruction are being implemented with upper elementary students at the Nebraska School for the Deaf. Students conduct cross-genre studies involving book, stage play, and movie versions of familiar tales. The approach incorporates language arts, social studies, science, art, and speech activities. (DB)

Spelling instruction for students with deafness is examined in the context of the whole-language approach. Stages in the development of spelling ability are identified, and five strategies for young writers are suggested. (DB)

This article describes how a teacher at the Manitoba School for the Deaf applied Kaplan's Curriculum Differentiation Model for gifted and talented students to develop a thematic unit ("Patterns") for a grade 3 whole language classroom. (Author/DB)

This paper reviews the history of whole-language versus code-emphasis approaches to reading instruction. The paper concludes that students with severe learning disabilities may learn to read in a whole-language, mainstream classroom, if provided with supplemental instruction, a variety of instructional techniques, and appropriate intensity and…

A whole-language approach to science can enhance student learning. Curiosity about science leads to research, reading, and writing. An example of a two-week unit on ants is presented, in which students begin by watching the ants, then organize their thoughts, research ants, write about ants, and create final projects. (SM)

Traditional Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals focusing on mastery of skills taught in isolation are inappropriate for primary-level whole-language classrooms containing children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Sample goals and objectives that measure students' growing ability to read and write are presented. (JDD)

A group of Ohio teachers of deaf students received in-depth training in the use of whole-language strategies, focusing first on writing strategies, followed by reading instruction and integration of reading and writing. The training plan involved group instruction, reading materials, observations, individual conferences, teacher-trainer dialogue…

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)

A teacher at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf (District of Columbia) recounts how she learned to use the Whole Language approach to writing instruction, to encourage student writing and conduct teacher/student conferences, and to stimulate students' reading interests. (DB)

This guide is an introduction to the theory and practice of using literature to teach life skills to persons who are or have been incarcerated. It is organized in three sections, each written by a practitioner who has used literature in a particular environment with a particular audience. The three sections are "Why Literature? The Power of…