This study compared the first grade reading comprehension and vocabulary scores of children who were exposed to a Language Experience Approach in kindergarten to the scores of children who participated in a traditional kindergarten reading readiness program. Two groups of 22 students each were matched for sex and for scores on standardized reading readiness tests administered at the end of the kindergarten year. Students in the experimental group had participated in the Language Experience program while students in the control group had participated in the traditional readiness class. Students from both groups were randomly placed into first grade levels and received reading instruction through a basal reading program. The Gates-MacGintie Test, Primary Form A, was administered to all students at the end of first grade. Scores from the comprehension and vocabulary sections of the test were used to compare the reading progress of the experimental and control groups. Results indicated significantly higher scores on both subtests for the students who were exposed to the Language Experience program. The results suggested that the Language Experience program should be continued and should be expanded to include all kindergarten students. (BD)