Tips from dads: Whole Language approach to reading

While I was getting my degree in Music Education one of the classes I took was titled "Reading - A whole language approach". I had never heard of the "Whole Language" concept before, but throughout the 3 months of the class the method seemed to have merit and provided a more creative and fun approach to learning to read compared to the way I had learned to read which was a phonics based approach.

Whole language learning stresses the flow and meaning of the text, emphasizing reading for meaning and using language in ways that relate to the child's own life, cultures, and interests. Whole language classrooms tend to teach the process of reading, while the final product becomes secondary. The "sounding out" of words so central to phonics is not used in whole language learning. Instead, children are encouraged to decode each word through its larger context.

One thing we have done at home and also at my child's school is to have them create their own stories. The Child(ren) dictate the text and then an adult writes it down and reads it back. We have created a few books this way. My daughter had first drawn pictures then tells us the words to write for each of the pages. We then go over the text and place the pages in the order that she wants. Once this is completed we staple it together and read the story. This has been a good way to inspire and encourage reading.

We have also written sight words on post-it notes and placed them next to their related items (i.e. Light next to the Light Switch). Where I think The whole language approach falls short is in providing the skill necessary to actually read a word based on the letters in that word and the sounds those letters make this is where phonics come into play.

Phonics-based reading programs tend to build better pronunciation and word recognition. The phonics formulas can be applied again and again, and will help a child with spelling more than the memorization and guesswork of whole language. If only taught phonetically, however, a child may have difficulty understanding the full meaning of a text, due to the constant breaking down of words into parts. Whole language also seems to foster a desire to read and write better than phonics based approach.

I think (as do many experts) that a combined balanced approach is best. You and your child's teachers can evaluate what approach works best. The important thing is to awaken and develop your child's joy of learning by encouraging their imagination and curiosity. Above all read to your child! It is never too early or late to begin this practice.

With younger children reading is as much physical act, as it is a mental one. It involves hand-eye coordination. So, when you read, involve your child by pointing out objects in the pictures, following the words with your finger (so your child develops a sense that the words go in a particular direction across the page), and having your child help turn the pages (to learn that the pages turn in a particular direction as well).

If you would like to find out more about this here are some helpful links:
>> National Association for the Education of Young Children
>> Whole language Wikepedia

-Michael