This Digest focuses on using the language experience approach for teaching adult English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) learners. The language experience approach (LEA) ia a whole language approach that promotes reading and writing through the use of personal experiences and oral language. It can be used in tutorial or classroom settings with homogeneous or heterogeneous groups of learners. Specific sections of the digest look at the following: (1) features of the language experience approach; (2) LEA with ESL learners; and (3) two variations of LEA (personal experience and group experience). It is conclude that although the LEA was developed primarily as a tool for reading development, this technique can be used successfully to develop listening, speaking, and writing as well. (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education) (VWL)