Here's why:
* Holistic is an overarching philosophy: It emphasizes the interconnectedness of reading, writing, speaking, and listening, and the importance of considering the whole child – their social, emotional, and cognitive development – within the context of literacy learning.
* Attributes are adaptable: A teacher might use a holistic approach but still employ specific techniques from phonics-based, balanced literacy, or other models. For example, a holistic teacher might incorporate explicit phonics instruction while simultaneously fostering a love of reading through literature circles.
* Overlapping approaches: Many effective literacy programs borrow elements from various philosophies, creating a blended approach. A teacher may incorporate elements of a holistic approach alongside other strategies, making the delineation of "exclusive attributes" impossible.
In short, while attributes like a focus on meaningful experiences, integration of language arts skills, and attention to the whole child are *commonly* associated with a holistic approach, they are not *exclusive* to it. Other approaches may also incorporate these elements to varying degrees.