Who are the notable figures associated with the Whole Language approach?

The Whole Language approach emphasizes the importance of understanding language in context, viewing reading as a natural process rather than just a set of discrete skills. Kenneth Goodman is one of its most prominent advocates, known for his research on reading as a psycholinguistic guessing game where readers use context and pictures to aid comprehension.

Frank Smith also contributed significantly to the Whole Language perspective. He posited that literacy is a natural extension of language and that reading and writing should be seen as meaningful activities embedded in everyday life. Smith stressed the importance of engaging with text in a way that prioritizes understanding and enjoyment, rather than focusing solely on phonics or decoding skills.

These figures together are closely associated with the Whole Language movement, promoting an integrated approach to literacy that contrasts with more traditional methods focusing heavily on phonics and isolated skills. Their combined work underscores the belief that reading should be a holistic experience, allowing students to derive meaning from text through context, personal experience, and engagement rather than through rote instruction.