Which is NOT a focus of the whole language approach?

The whole language approach prioritizes a holistic understanding of language and literacy, emphasizing the importance of meaning and context in reading and writing. This method encourages students to recognize words as entire units rather than merely a collection of letters or sounds.

Focusing on context-rich reading experiences is essential because it helps students make connections between their own lives and the material, enhancing comprehension and engagement. Similarly, using meaningful texts is central to this approach, as it fosters a connection between learners and the material, making reading more relevant and engaging.

In contrast, the practice of breaking words down into individual letters for analysis is more aligned with phonics or analytic approaches to reading, which are not the central focus of the whole language philosophy. Instead, whole language advocates for a naturalistic view of learning to read, where understanding and appreciating the text as a whole is paramount.