Modified Language Experience Approach (MLEA)
In MLEA, there is a shared experience that is linked to the Big Book that has been read during Shared Reading. The shared experience provides the context and content for the children to think and talk about, using the target language structures and vocabulary they have been exposed to in Shared Book Approach (SBA).
With the help of the teacher who transcribes the children's input, the pupils come up with a piece of class writing. This becomes the basis for group writing, when the children work in small groups, before they go on to individual writing.
The whole process is scaffolded for success and pupils also learn about cooperative learning as they work together in mixed-ability groups.
Our class had an MLEA experience on sandwich making when we read the big book " The Hungry Giant". I demostrated to the class how to make a ham and cheese sandwich. Then we came up with a piece of class writing together. Next, the children move into small groups to complete the group writing and lastly the individual writing.
