Intended to help practitioners make the transition from traditional to whole language instruction in reading and writing, this 160-item annotated bibliography provides a selection of journal articles and research reports, language arts curriculum guides, student texts, and professional textbooks which reflect whole language theory, research,…

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…

Embracing aspects of both whole language and explicit instruction, this book discusses the creation of dynamic learning environments in which students discuss books, write for authentic audiences, and become published authors. Chapter 1 defines explicit instruction and whole language and discusses a combination approach, and it also includes a…

Although the whole language perspective requires no money, it does involve "kid watching," or knowledge of individual class members and their interests. As the experiences of two elementary teachers illustrate, educators need only look to their own backyards and to past/present historical events for rich instructional material. Includes three…

Looks at the dreams, anxieties, confusions, satisfactions, and aspirations of the many worlds of childhood and at the professional materials that can help teachers to reach those worlds. Reviews six resources for professional materials and four resources for instructional materials. (MG)

Presents reviews by elementary school classroom teachers of books that have had a significant impact on their teaching and the philosophical underpinning for their actions. Includes reviews of four books on literature, literacy, language arts, whole language, the holistic approach, and assessment. (PRA)

Investigates nationwide practices in language instruction, the nature of changes, and perceptions and reactions of teachers. Finds that 85% of teachers followed a curriculum guide; teachers appeared to react diversely to the philosophy of whole language; and whole language appeared to be gaining a foothold in suburban schools of approximately 300…

Use of classic book units with gifted elementary students is described as an interdisciplinary approach to stimulating student interest. Sample activities are offered from a unit on Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn," with linguistic, artistic-creative, scientific, mathematical, and socio-leadership activities, classified as application,…

Advocates synergistic pedagogy, in which all the school subjects are related and taught in such a manner that they are almost inseparable. Demonstrates how this might be done with an interdisciplinary theme on the stars. (SR)

Discusses the use of literature in the whole-language approach. Examples show the integration of a second grader's experiences with the curriculum; integrating the language arts in the middle school via study of the author as well as the book; and the integration of literature into the study of history. Titles to use in each area are suggested.…

Offers five suggestions which may be helpful to educators in responding proactively to criticisms of literacy-learning practices, as they work cooperatively with parents, Boards of Education, tutors, and other key players in reinforcing the perspective that literacy learning is genuinely valued and is connected to meaningful contexts during daily…

Based on the premise that whole language is a philosophy or perspective, rather than a set of practices, this fastback develops a definition of whole language, presents an information processing model of language processes, and discusses theory-practice relationship and assessment as they relate to whole language. Sections of the fastback are:…

Explores possible benefits of placing considerations of genre as more central to dialogs and debates about language arts education. Aims for a theoretical framework emphasizing the responsive and agentive engagement of students working through disciplinary literacies. Considers ways in which one first-grade teacher helped a non-middle-class…

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)

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)