Language Experience Approach (LEA) is a strategy used with beginning readers. It is based on the motto, “Anything I can say, I can write; anything I can write, I can read” (Weaver, 1988). The personal experiences of the learner guide reading instruction and activities. The teacher writes down the stories as dictated by the students. Then the students read what has been written.

Guidelines
Use LEA in conjunction with an activity or an event all have experienced.

• After the activity, elicit responses from students related to the activity. 

• Stories are written on large chart paper. 

• Students should observe what is being written. 

• Periodically stop and ask, “Did I write what you wanted?”; “Do you want me to change anything?” 

• The teacher writes exactly what the student says, word for word. 

• Model proper grammar. 

• Allow students to take turns dictating sentences. 

• Prompt students to respond in sentence format, rather than phrases. 

• The teacher reads the passage back to the class. 

• Lead a large-group reading of the passage. 

Variations on readings can include the following:

• All pupils read entire passage. 

• Small groups read specific sentences. 

• Individuals read the sentences.

Video:
Language Experience Approach

Provides a framework for using Language Experience Approach and then describes the ways in which additional strategies including choral and echo reading can be used with young readers in conjunction with LEA.