This practicum was designed to allow first graders the opportunity to read and write in a more natural and authentic manner than that permitted by using the basal reading series as the basis for reading instruction. The first grade reading program was transformed from a basal-oriented approach to a whole language approach. Through the use of children's tradebooks, poetry, daily unstructured writing assignments, and flexible reading patterns, the children were able to achieve the skills required by the basal reading tests as well as spend more time in the actual exercises of reading and writing. Results of the practicum were positive. The primary goals and objectives were met. An analysis of the objectives demonstrated that the language arts activities of reading and writing were dealt with more often within the whole language environment than in a basal reading classroom. The children enjoyed the process of reading and writing to a greater extent as measured by the amount of time spent reading and writing during free time. (Five tables of data are included. Appendixes include: student questionnaire, selected letters to parents, titles chosen as favorites by the children, samples of children's writing, and samples of children's writing ready for publication. Seventy-two references are attached.) (Author/MG)