Publication: A Language Experience English-as-a-Second-Language Project: Instructional Guide, Training, and Literacy Reader

• Ringel, Harry
• Smith, Jeanne H.

This guide to the instruction of English as a Second
Language (ESL) using the Language Experience Approach (LEA)
consists of two parts: an instructional guide, to be used as
a tool for training instructors to use the LEA approach, and
a collection of 30 lessons using stories produced by
students and student groups using LEA in ESL classes. The
instructional guide describes the LEA process and
differences between LEA instruction carried out with native
English speakers and LEA used in combination with ESL
instruction. The overall learning objectives of the LEA
approach are outlined, and its use in groups and in the
classroom is discussed. A description of the LEA/ESL method
includes sections on story starting techniques, asking
questions, the stories themselves, and follow-up exercises.
Some additional information sources and instructional
resources are suggested. The ESL reader is divided into
Southeast Asian stories and Hispanic stories, and within
these groups, into beginning, intermediate, and advanced
level lessons. A brief introductory section provides
suggestions for classroom use of the stories, including a
variety of preliminary and post-reading exercises. (MSE)
(Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education)