Whole Language

Whole Language is a method of teaching reading and writing that emphasizes learning whole words and phrases by encountering them in meaningful contexts rather than by phonics exercises. Whole Language is also methods of teaching reading in which read in combination with the listening, speaking and writing practice.

v  The Application of the Whole Language Theory to the Teaching of English Reading.

a.   Teaching the Language as a Whole

The teaching emphasis lies on the meaningful whole language activities.

b.    Student-Centeredness

                   The teacher can ask the students to discuss the text in groups.

c.    Teaching Language in Context

The teacher can ask the students to create and design the situational context and do some writing.

d.    Literature-baseness

            Teaching the broad-sense of “literature” regarded as inappropriate.

e.    Focus on Talk

Teaching emphasizes the ability of oral expression, the ability of communication, the ability of thinking and the ability of analysis.

f.    Integration with Writing

The teacher encourages the students to write frequently on  the text they learn.

g.   Informal Assessment

They observe the behavior of the students in class.  

v  The Characteristics of Whole Language Classroom

-      Classroom are not silent

-      Classroom feature learning centers for reading, writing, art, music, science and social studies.

-      Books, magazines, newspapers, maps, pamphlets, etc,  abound.

-      Listening stations with tape recorders and audio materials are prominent.

-      Children’s writing, art and other projects receive center stages.

-      Lessons are active and varied.