• • Because LEA is used to teach how to read, it is all right to concentrate solely on reading the text at this point.

• Don't change the learner's thoughts or the content of the story.

Benefits of using LEA

• LEA is an integrated technique that allows all the skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) to be used at once.
• LEA helps develop other skills (sight word vocabulary development) in a meaningful context.
• LEA provides content for learning that is authentic.
• LEA can be very motivating for learners; their point of view is valued and their story is told.
• LEA provides a permanent record to add to the learner's portfolio.

Adapting LEA to a group

Steps in the large group approach:

1. After a field trip or class experience, discuss the event together. You could also show a movie or read a short story together.
2. Together, write the story out on butcher paper or the chalkboard. Have each learner contribute a sentence. Read each word aloud as you write it down.
3. Have learners copy the story down (for writing practice.)
4. Follow-up activities:
   • Reread the story in its entirety using your finger or a pointer to show learners which word you are saying.
   • Cut the words apart and have the learners put them in the correct order. This would be an appropriate activity if most of the vocabulary, in its written form, is already familiar in that particular sentence.
   • Call on individual learners to point out specific words that they previously learnt.
   • For lower level learners, call on individual learners to point out words that start with specific letters.

Using LEA with children

Have children draw a picture connected to the story. Pictures can also be used to create an original story.