Describes an early childhood educator's experience in using the Orff-Schulwerk approach in a preschool environment. Discusses the combination of whole language and Orff-Schulwerk approaches. Provides information on how to build a repertoire of music and words and create the reading/writing connection. Provides a list of sources for Orff-Schulwerk…

Describes a whole language learning unit based on group investigation. The task is an authentic task and includes a problem that requires solving as well as step-by-step guidelines for collecting, organizing, and presenting data. The sample unit is developed around the topic of animals. (Author/VWL)

This report describes a program for the advancement of student writing skills. The targeted population consisted of elementary school students in a growing middle class community, located in a suburb of a large Midwestern city. The problem of low writing scores was documented in student writing samples, teaching observations, and scores from the…

Although most learning disabled (LD) adult learners have a strong desire to enhance their writing skills, many obstacles hinder their success. Characteristics of LD students found in their writing or actions include the following: frustration; poor study/note taking skills; test anxiety; lack of social skills; a difficult time following oral…

A continuing longitudinal study examined students' perceptions of their learning and motivation in a whole language classroom setting. Subjects, 14 fifth- or sixth-grade students who collaborated in the inquiry as co-researchers, were interviewed in depth. The mixed fifth- and sixth-grade classroom at the "Willow School" in southern…

Discusses the goals of Project Family Initiative for English Literacy (FIEL) and the rationale for the model on which it is based. Describes the curriculum and the content of the five-step lessons. Provides an example of one family's literacy growth within the project. (MG)

The whole-language approach is seen to be applicable within communicative language teaching for young Indonesian students. The goal of teaching English in Indonesia is to teach students to read effectively, and whole-language instruction allows them to read immediately. Examples of reading activities are given. (Contains nine references.) (LB)

A teacher at the Hawaii School for the Deaf and Blind recounts his experience implementing a whole-language approach with an elementary class of students with hearing impairments. The effort, focusing on insects, utilized dialog journals, word banks, shared reading, guided reading and writing, independent reading, and theme activities. A…

Offers one teacher's account of a year of process approach to writing instruction in her fifth-grade class. Focuses on the importance of not getting caught within a narrow vision when reflecting on classroom practice. Notes the crucial role students need to play in instructional decision making. (SR)

Describes a classroom in which the teacher has developed a sense of community through her emphasis on whole-language instruction. Describes the organizational patterns of both the teacher's and the children's activities in this exemplary whole-language classroom. Documents instances of collaboration and student choice. (SR)

Several elementary teachers present school-tested ideas for student assessment and activities for teaching writing. The article describes how one school conducted student assessment using a new checklist system and portfolios. Information is presented on schools that integrated literature, art, life skills, math, and role playing to teach writing.…

Describes how one teacher initiated a whole language program and attempted to inform parents about the program. Discusses the importance of maintaining a constant flow of communication to parents and providing variety in the media that are used to carry the communication. (MG)

Faculty members of the University of Illinois' College of Education and teachers in the Urbana School District are collaborating to improve elementary teacher education. Key elements of the program's Language and Literacy block are its integrated, holistic approach to language instruction and reliance on classroom videotapings to improve student…

Describes whole-language activities (including using predictable books and rewriting of literary and poetic patterns) used for teaching reading and writing in a Kansas middle school. (PRA)

Describes how a first-grade teacher developed an effective spelling program for his classroom that teaches sounds and words in the context of children's experiences. His program encourages students to memorize and learn words because the words are important to them rather than picked for them. (SM)