Originally presented at the second annual Whole Language Umbrella Conference, the 18 essays in this book address the three related themes of identity, responsibility, and practice. The essays in the book discuss how whole language is defined, and how its practitioners come to define themselves; how whole language teachers act upon their identities…

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:…

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)

This booklet discusses the "whole language" approach to language instruction, which teaches students "from whole to part" through the integration of the language processes of reading, writing, speaking, and listening with an emphasis on meaning and purpose. The booklet explains what whole language is, describes its use in the teaching/learning…

Discusses the "Biographic Literacy Profiles Project," a seminar for teachers and administrators which focused on developing an alternative to current assessment methods in elementary language arts. Shows how the process of changing assessment patterns can reflect the same integrative, holistic goals that teachers have for working with…

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is examined from the standpoint of teaching reading, and strategies are offered for teaching youngsters who are having difficulty reading due to ADD. Examples of students and scenarios are included. A definition of ADD is presented, along with symptoms that are consistent with inattention and disorganization that…

This document is the official guide for teaching English Language Arts in the elementary schools of Canada's Northwest Territories. It reflects a student-centered, process-oriented, integrated and culture-based approach. It emphasizes teaching language (whether it be English or aboriginal) in meaningful, interactive contexts and evaluating…

This article applies whole language techniques to children with cultural and linguistic differences and provides guidelines for enabling speech-language pathologists to assume a role of active involvement. Whole language can provide a context for involvement in the areas of bilingual education and other language and dialect learning and for…

Shares a curriculum framework based on six aspects of literacy: ownership, reading comprehension, writing process, word identification, language and vocabulary knowledge, and voluntary reading. Notes that this framework is consistent with a whole literacy approach, and includes an assessment system and provisions for accountability. (MG)

Sharing both collective and individual experiences and insights about whole language, teaching, and educational change, this book explains whole language instruction and its implementation on a school-wide basis. Each chapter moves from research to theory, and from theory to application in classrooms that actually exist. The book explains why…

This book explains the whole language philosophy of learning to read and how it can be applied in special education classrooms to assist students with learning disabilities. Chapters address: (1) an overview of the whole language approach; (2) examples of how special education teachers use whole language to teach children with learning…

Designed for workshops or college courses focusing on professional development and inservice teacher training, this book presents over 200 reproducibles (including transparencies, brochures, and fact sheets) to help parents and administrators understand how reading and writing flourish in whole language classrooms. The book addresses the need to…

This report examines outcomes of the Primary Language Record (PLR), a program for systematically observing students in various aspects of their literacy development. The PLR uses classroom events and samples of student work to record students' progress and interests, recommend strategies for addressing needs and building on talents, and discuss…

Based on the premise that elementary students must be engaged in frequent reading, writing, and speaking throughout all areas of an integrated curriculum, this book is intended for a first course in language arts for preservice teachers. The book can also be used for courses in which reading and language arts theory and methods are combined. The…

The whole language approach to literacy parallels the acquisition of oral language, which enables speech-language pathologists to assume leadership roles in such literacy programs. Aspects of whole language programs are discussed, including language, both oral and written; assessment and planning; service delivery; intervention; and the oral…