Which statement best describes the Language Experience Approach (LEA)?

Which statement best describes the Language Experience Approach (LEA)?

• A. Use of a grade-leveled series of texts that are read aloud
• B. Emphasis on sequenced skills instruction and practice
• C. Focus on language as the bridge between oral and written language
• D. Preteaching by using oral language activities and vocabulary words as a basis for predicting

Answer: (C)

Language Experience Approach uses students' own spoken language as the foundation for reading and writing, creating a direct link between how they talk and how they read. In this method, the teacher captures the student’s oral language—often through discussion or dictation—and then uses that exact language to craft a reading text at the student’s current level. The student reads and works with material that reflects their own vocabulary, rhythms, and sentence structure, making print more meaningful and accessible. Because the text comes from the learner’s own speech, it naturally links oral language to written language, supporting both decoding and expressive writing as the student progresses. This approach centers on the language the student already uses, rather than relying on pre-made graded texts read aloud, isolated skill drills, or preteaching vocabulary for prediction.

Language Experience Approach uses students' own spoken language as the foundation for reading and writing, creating a direct link between how they talk and how they read. In this method, the teacher captures the student’s oral language—often through discussion or dictation—and then uses that exact language to craft a reading text at the student’s current level. The student reads and works with material that reflects their own vocabulary, rhythms, and sentence structure, making print more meaningful and accessible. Because the text comes from the learner’s own speech, it naturally links oral language to written language, supporting both decoding and expressive writing as the student progresses. This approach centers on the language the student already uses, rather than relying on pre-made graded texts read aloud, isolated skill drills, or preteaching vocabulary for prediction.