Which of the following is a feature associated with the whole language approach?

The whole language approach to literacy emphasizes the integration of reading, writing, speaking, and listening in a meaningful context, recognizing that language is best learned as a whole rather than through isolated components. The emphasis on narrative structures is particularly significant in this approach, as it encourages students to engage with stories and texts that are rich in context and meaning. This fosters an understanding of how stories are constructed, helping students to connect with the material on a deeper level and to see reading as a process of making sense of language in context.

By focusing on narrative structures, the whole language approach supports a more holistic understanding of language, promoting engagement and comprehension in ways that align closely with authentic communication experiences. This contrasts sharply with isolated phonics instruction, strict spelling and grammar rules, and reliance on standardized testing, which are more characteristic of traditional reading instruction methods and do not align with the philosophical underpinnings of the whole language approach.