Based on a diagnosis of the problems in the traditional way of teaching English reading in China, this paper introduces the "whole language" theory and explores its application to the teaching of English reading. To begin with, it demonstrates the various problems in the teaching of English reading which severely prevent the improvement of English teaching. Then it introduces and elaborates on the "whole language" theory which brings new ideas and new methods to foreign language teaching. Finally it discusses how the "whole language" theory can be used to improve the teaching of English in general and English reading in particular.