Re: whole language INCLUDES phonics

[Anne Nonniemouse <ShopMathEdu@AOL.COM>]

Dear Fair Test list folks:
I consider myself a student of the "Whole Language" school of thought.  The
instructional methods I apply are from this perspective.  I met a colleague
from the "Graphophonics" school of thought, someone whom  I respect
immensely.  This person evaluated my body of work and said, "If you don't
teach phonics, then you are only teaching PART language."  I found the
(rather large) kernel of truth in these comments and have made doubly sure
that phonics are integrated into our whole language reading and writing
instruction.  I have seen our students improve in their progress as our
instruction improved.  They were already very "engaged" in the curriculum
because it was "real and authentic."  The graphophonic component of the
instruction enabled the students to apply their skills to many other texts.
    I very much appreciate this discussion and all of the comments which I
have read from various points of view.
    Warmest greetings to one and all,
    Steve Orel

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
To unsubscribe from the ARN-L list, send command SIGNOFF ARN-L
to LISTSERV@LISTS.CUA.EDU.