What is the primary benefit of the Language Experience Approach (LEA) for developing literacy skills in L2 learners?

The primary benefit of the Language Experience Approach (LEA) is that it promotes personal experiences through oral language. This approach engages learners by allowing them to express their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a context that is meaningful to them. When learners share their personal narratives orally, they are encouraged to use their linguistic knowledge and creativity. This creates a bridge between spoken and written language, as learners can then see their spoken words transcribed, fostering literacy skills.

By connecting language learning to personal experiences, LEA enhances motivation and makes the learning process more relevant. This method also supports Second Language (L2) learners in building confidence in their language abilities, as they are working with content that is familiar and significant to them. Through this approach, learners are not just absorbing language passively; they are actively participating in the creation of text based on their own lives, which deepens their understanding and retention of language concepts.