What is a primary focus of Donald Holdaway's natural learning model?

The primary focus of Donald Holdaway's natural learning model is on providing repeated exercises with a text and shared reading. This model is rooted in the idea that learning to read effectively occurs through natural interactions with text rather than through isolated skills instruction. By engaging in repeated readings and shared experiences, students develop a deeper connection to the material, which enhances their comprehension and fluency. This approach allows learners to gain confidence as they interact with the text in a supportive environment, ultimately fostering a love for reading and an understanding of the text's meaning.

Other methods, like independent reading or phonics instruction, while important in certain contexts, do not encapsulate the essence of Holdaway's emphasis on the shared and experiential aspects of reading education. The focus on digital resources for guided reading is also not a primary feature of Holdaway’s model, which originated before the rise of such technology, highlighting the significance of more traditional methods of text interaction.