This book reviews the research literature relevant to the language experience approach to the teaching of reading, in which instruction is based upon the use of reading materials created by writing down children's spoken language. The first major section provides a narrative review of the research studies, organized, for the most part, chronologically. The results are then synthesized around specific topics: general achievement, readiness, oral language, vocabulary, word analysis, creative writing, spelling, comprehension, use with special populations, affective factors, teacher education, and language differences. Recommendations for further research and a bibliography of research studies conclude the book. (AA)