Which characteristic is associated with the Whole Language approach to reading?

The Whole Language approach to reading emphasizes the understanding and integration of language in a holistic manner rather than focusing on individual components in isolation. This method encourages students to engage with texts as a whole, allowing them to derive meaning and context from the content rather than just decoding words or phrases.

By selectively focusing on essential information, learners are able to comprehend the main ideas and themes of a text, fostering a deeper understanding of the material as a whole. This characteristic aligns with the philosophy of Whole Language, which prioritizes meaning-making and contextual understanding over strict adherence to phonetic decoding or meticulous reading of every single word.

In contrast, the other options emphasize methods that are not typically associated with the Whole Language philosophy. For instance, an approach that emphasizes detailed word reading or strict phonemic awareness training is generally more aligned with phonics-based methods, which are less central to the Whole Language perspective. Thus, the focus on essential information captures the essence of how Whole Language advocates for reading as a meaningful and contextual experience.