Understanding Whole Language

As the term "whole language" becomes more widely used, it seems to become less clearly understood. Among whole language educators, there is a concern that this philosophy is in danger of being increasingly misunderstood and misapplied. Moreover, there is concern that this reform movement will be curtailed because practices that are contrary to a holistic philosophy are being promoted in the name of whole language. The aim of this book is to demonstrate that whole language is good education that can help to develop literate citizens and lifelong learners.

Understanding Whole Language is directed toward teachers and teacher educators, and also school administrators. Because classroom teachers have been so active in developing and promoting whole language, many administrators feel left out; they have heard much about holistic, child-centered teaching and the impact it has had upon teachers and children but they may not understand the principles that underlie whole language practices. Professor Weaver stresses that the whole language philosophy can be applied to create educational reform at the school system level, but that this process requires a sustained, long-term effort by all parties involved.

For more than three decades, Constance Weaver was one of the field’s leading voices on literacy topics ranging from the reading process to grammar instruction with writing. Reading Process & Practice first appeared in 1988 and became widely known as the most authoritative, comprehensive, and definitive book of its kind. It helped teachers define reading in ways that support high-quality instruction. Connie once again led the way with the 1996 publication of the bestselling Teaching Grammar in Context and its companion Lessons to Share on Teaching Grammar in Context. Then she expanded and deepened her insights and specific teaching ideas in The Grammar Plan Book and Grammar to Enrich and Enhance Writing. In 1996, the Michigan Council of Teachers of English honored Weaver with the Charles C. Fries award for outstanding leadership in the profession. Connie was the Heckert Professor of Reading and Writing at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and Professor Emerita of English at Western Michigan University. She passed away in July of 2018.