Whole language instruction teaches students how to guess unknown words, use context clues, and use pictures to determine words, but whole language does not teach them how to read.

The theory of whole language, sometimes called integrated language, holds that students should be immersed in reading and writing. It stresses teaching words by making them meaningful.

But as the science of reading movement has spread, researchers and advocates have taken aim at this method—and more generally, the idea of using “sight word” lists as an instructional tool.

More American schools are now favoring the “science of reading" which focuses on phonics and vocabulary building block lessons over traditional “whole language" teaching.

Research has shown that it’s the foundation of skilled reading, and that teaching students how to do it—teaching them phonics—is the most effective way to help them learn to read words.

Some states and high schools, including one in San Diego, are experimenting with ways to integrate literacy instruction across all classes.

“In the simplest terms “Whole Language” is a method of teaching children to read by recognizing words as whole pieces of language. Proponents of the Whole Language philosophy believe that ...

So what does the research say about what English learners need when learning to read? Tim Shanahan, distinguished professor emeritus of the University of Illinois at Chicago, is known for helping to ...

The technology that powers ChatGPT is quickly transforming reading practices. What does that mean for your assignments?

Schools usually focus on teaching comprehension skills instead of general knowledge—even though education researchers know better.