Oral language is used before written language, according to this paper, which contends that the acquisition of literacy is merely an extension of natural language learning for all children. This view of literacy development as natural is distinguished from the views of those that think language is innate; the naturalness of children learning to read and write comes from their active participation in the communication process--their motivation to comprehend what the printed word is trying to "say." The paper describes eight essentials of beginning reading instruction based on a natural language thesis, and offers suggestions for the environment, activities, and teaching procedures that should be used in natural language instruction. (The discussion following presentation of the paper is attached.) (RL)