Second language learners face countless obstacles in the classroom, including communication and comprehension limitations and difficulty building relationships with peers. Many teachers struggle to build an inclusive classroom environment and ensure all students, especially those with linguistic and other learning disadvantages, are learning. This…

Advocates the use of a language experience approach in teaching reading and writing to Preschool children. (CM)

Explains the British Infant School approach to the teaching of reading and writing, in which reading flows directly from the children's writing-which, in turn, is stimulated by virtually every aspect of the school program. Includes samples of the children's writing. (BR)

Discusses ways teachers can create a supportive literacy environment in the classroom for young children. Considers activities that encourage children's language use, and recommends creating an unhurried atmosphere, responding to cultural differences, and including a mix of planned and child-initiated activities. (JPB)

Describes a project in which student teachers at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington are being prepared to teach beginning reading using the language-experience approach. (CS)