What approach does the Language Experience Approach (LEA) emphasize?

The Language Experience Approach (LEA) emphasizes student-led conversations that are guided by the teacher, with a focus on using students’ own words and experiences to create content. This approach allows children to engage in meaningful conversation, encouraging them to express their thoughts and ideas in a safe environment. By utilizing their personal experiences, learners can relate vocabulary and language structures to their own lives, which enhances their understanding and retention of language.

In this method, teachers support students by providing feedback and guidance throughout the conversation, helping them to develop language skills in an interactive and dynamic way. The process becomes a collaborative learning experience, where the teacher facilitates rather than dictating the discussion, fostering a sense of ownership and confidence in students' abilities to use language effectively. This is foundational for early childhood education, as it aligns with developmental learning principles and promotes literacy in a context that is relevant and exciting for the student.