The argument is advanced that many literacy materials, such as basal readers and workbooks, do not allow literacy students to learn to read and write in the daily context in which the skills will be used, and an alternative is described. The limitations of phonics-based materials and the resulting controlled vocabulary of readers and workbooks include students' lack of freedom to choose relevant topics. The whole language approach, referred to as an "apprenticeship" approach to literacy learning, is the basis of a "Projects" kind of learning. The Projects method involves choosing a topic, getting started through brainstorming, asking questions, beginning the research by developing a chart, finding resources, reading and recording the information, rewriting for presentation (revising and editing), and rewriting. The approach is based on both whole language theory and the theory of empowerment. Illustrations of students' work are included. Contains 8 references. (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education) (LB)