In a first-grade class using the Whole Language approach, why does the teacher state learning goals before reading?

In a first-grade class using the Whole Language approach, why does the teacher state learning goals before reading?

• A. To show the teacher's favorite text.
• B. To build a trusting learning community.
• C. To get the attention of his students.
• D. To model a pre-reading strategy that he wants his students to be able to use.

Answer: (D)

In Whole Language settings, teachers model how readers think and plan before they dive into text. Stating learning goals before reading shows students a concrete pre-reading strategy: set a purpose for reading, activate prior knowledge, and identify questions or predictions. By naming what they will do, the teacher provides a clear, purposeful routine that students can imitate, helping them engage more deeply with the text and monitor their own thinking as they read. While building a trustworthy, attentive classroom is important, the key idea here is demonstrating the pre-reading steps students should use themselves.

In Whole Language settings, teachers model how readers think and plan before they dive into text. Stating learning goals before reading shows students a concrete pre-reading strategy: set a purpose for reading, activate prior knowledge, and identify questions or predictions. By naming what they will do, the teacher provides a clear, purposeful routine that students can imitate, helping them engage more deeply with the text and monitor their own thinking as they read. While building a trustworthy, attentive classroom is important, the key idea here is demonstrating the pre-reading steps students should use themselves.