Whole Language For Native Students

Abstract

Some of the basic premises of the whole language approach in teaching are discussed, including an emphasis on language experience; the requirement for relevance to the child’s experience; and the requirement for the teacher to model by being an active learner and collaborator, and by incorporting children’s choices in content among reading resources. The author states that this approach in teaching and learning is consistent with Native learning styles, because it is a holistic approach. A bibliography of recent commentary, explanation, criticism, and research about the whole language approach is appended.