SHEILA KING spoke of Whole Language 1      1/ to DAN TRIPLETT on 08-27-
96
SK>-> The comments regarding a connection with how learning to speak was
SK>-> my own analogy.  In my view, learning to read (and I believe
SK>-> linguists would agree) has everything to do with language
SK>-> acquisition. 
SK>As a person with a degree in German with emphasis on Linguistics, I
SK>think you are not using the term "language acquisition" in the term
SK>that linguists generally mean. You have broadened it to mean much
SK>more than is generally included under that term, when used by
SK>linguists, and in your use of the term it includes functional
SK>literacy.  
SK>Language acquisition, as I generally understand it, relates more to
SK>the neurological processes involved in learning a language. This has
SK>nothing to do with reading, which is learning to decode symbols on a
SK>piece of paper, or some other medium.
I may really mean language development.  When I speak of language 
acquisition I am referring to the acquiring of language (and 
vocabulary).  I am basing my use of the term on Brian Cambourne, an 
Australian researcher, who, after observing children successfully 
engaging in literacy learning developed a set of seven conditions he 
believed were necessary for successful language acquisition.  Cambourne 
said these conditions applied to adults as well as children.  The are 
*Immersion* in print; *Demonstration* of the use of texts for reading 
and writing; *Expectation* where the bond between the student and 
teacher has the power to facilitate learning.  Here teacher expectations 
dramatically affect student performance; *Responsibility* Learners are 
given choices about what they are reading; *Use* Children need extended 
periods of time to read; *Approximation* A safe atmosphere that allows 
for mistakes as a natural way to know and understand; *Response* where 
readers get feedback from, and exchanges with more knowledgeable 
learners.  Cambourne says that Learners will engage in learning if they 
see themselves as potential doers of the learning and understand how it 
will further their lives. 
Cambourne, Brian.  *The* *Whole* *Story:* *Natural* *Learning* *and*
  *the* *Acquisition* *of* *Literacy* *in* *the* *Classroom.*  Auckland,
   New Zealand: Ashton Scholastic, 1988, pages 32-34.
Also from my my graduate course in early childhood this quote found in 
the text book *A* *Practical* *Guide* *to* *Early* *Childhood* 
*Curriculum*  p. 102
"Since the foundation of literacy is language development, early 
childhood teachers must be aware of the development of language, as well 
as the factors that influence its development."
Dan
CMPQwk 1.42 445p
POLITICS: Poly: many + Tics: blood sucking parasites
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     \'o.O'   /
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       U
 
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