What does the whole language approach to reading advocate?

The whole language approach to reading advocates for the integration of reading, writing, listening, and speaking as interconnected components of language learning. This approach emphasizes the idea that language skills are best acquired within meaningful contexts rather than through isolated skills or rote memorization. By engaging in authentic literature and real-life communication, students learn to make connections between different forms of language, which enhances their overall understanding and fluency. This holistic method fosters a love for reading and allows learners to draw on their experiences and knowledge, making the acquisition of literacy skills more meaningful and effective.

This perspective is distinct from approaches that focus on explicit skill instruction, step-by-step teaching methods, or isolating phonics, which each emphasize specific elements of language mechanics rather than the integrated nature of literacy.