WLU is an NCTE Conference made up of whole language support groups and individual professionals interested in developing and implementing whole language in educational institutions. WLU is based on a view of whole language as a dynamic philosophy of education.
Join WLU by subscribing to our journal Talking Points
Who We Are
It was really impressive to hear and see how the students’ voices showed through. Its so important to give students opportunities to express their feeling and experiences And to get a glimpse of their personal lives.
--Joni--Hawaii
Kathryn Mitchell Pierce and Edward Kastner were a wonderful beginning to this summer's conference. They showed us the importance of celebrating the multi-literacy abilities of all of our students. The work they have done is a reminder to all of us that all learners are interesting and unique individuals. Kudos to both Kathryn and Edward. --Dennis Szymkowiak--WLU Executive Board
It was wonderful!!! Our Mid Missouri TAWL group will have the pleasure of having Kathryn and Carol Gilles as our keynote speakers in 2011!!!!!!! Check us out at tawl.missouri.edu This October, we're having Georgia Heard!!! Come to Columbia Missouri!!!!
--Missy Morrison
While there were many great aspects of their talk last night, what I liked best was the development of their work over time. I had the pleasure of learning about Photo Voice with Kathryn at an NCTE workshop and then co-presenting on our work at NCTE 2009. It's amazing to see the progress and insights overtime.
--Katie Van Sluys--WLU Board
I just went to a session on rural literacy. It was very interesting. We talked about how to reach the students by honoring their culture and connecting them with communities and learners to expand their conversation with others. We are excited about the emergence of new young adult books and reading. We discussed how DI dummies down education, depowers teachers, and disengages in the learning process! Teachers need to unite to improve education!
--Sandy Whiteis
I have been a member of the TAWL email list for about 10 years, but this is the first time I have been able to attend WLU (California is a somewhat hostile climate for WL, so funding has been difficult!). It is exciting to be able to be here and I am already enjoying listening to and participating in the dialogue!
--K.K. Hudson-Bates
I'm having a wonderful first-time experience at WLU! I went to the Pre-Con Institute where we got a wonderful treat from Dr. Otto Santa Ana, who talked us through his study of metaphors for Education and how they reflect the deep frames in popular discourse regarding our field. Then he shared with us the alternative frames we should be using (Education as Cultivation) and how they could have a profound impact on learners, teachers, administrators, and policy makers. We then spent some in-depth time work-shopping how to reframe Whole Language and came up with some scripts for public service announcements that could help reframe W/L issues and concerns. I find myself invigorated and hopeful as I reflect in the midst of the conference itself. I look forward to my next workshop! I added a couple of posts to my Ning Blog reflecting on my experience at the Summer Institute. I thought I'd link them here, http://ncte2008.ning.com/profiles/blogs/postconference-reflection-wlu
http://ncte2008.ning.com/profiles/blogs/a-book-spine-poem-discovered
--Lori Stone Sirtosky
Connect with Us
There are several ways to connect with whole language educators around the world.
Join in and continue or start a conversation online on the WLU NING.
TAWL Groups provide individuals, usually from the same geographical area, a local network for their interest in whole language. Join or start a group today!
Join TAWL Groups on Facebook or the TAWL Listserv today!
Better Than Ever: The New ReadWriteThink.org
With a fresh look and many exciting new features, the redesigned ReadWriteThink.org offers a wider audience more opportunities to find just the literacy resources they need and to share their thoughts and experiences with other community members. You will find the familiar lessons, student interactives, calendar activities, and more. Check out the new areas for Professional Development, Community Stories and Parent & Afterschool Resources.
The National Gallery of Writing
There's no time like the present to submit to the Gallery and to be thinking about how you'll celebrate the 2010 National Day on Writing.
The National Gallery of Writing houses all kinds of writing from all walks of life and highlights the remarkable variety of writing we engage in everyday. A total of 24,408 pieces of writing have been submitted and 2,479 galleries have been formed.
What Whole Language Is Not: Common Myths and Misunderstandings
12 common myths about whole language are dispelled in this Fact Sheet from the Center for Expansion of Language and Thinking (CELT).
Read additional fact sheets.
Authentic Learning Symposium
Held in Santa Barbara, California on August 12-15, 2010 with Alfie Kohn as the keynote speaker, this symposium aims to develop an inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary platform of discussion and understanding surrounding the issue of what constitutes ‘authentic learning.’
Learn more today!