EXTENSIVE READING

Presented byColin Pring

•Extensive reading is an approach to language learning, including foreign language learning, by the means of a large amount of reading.

the word's meaning, and thus to learn

unknown words. While the mechanism is

commonly accepted as true, its importance

in language learning is disputed.

The learners view and

review of unknown

words in specific

context will allow the

learner to infer

Free voluntary reading refers to using extensive

reading in language education. Students are

free to choose a book that they like and are

allowed to read it at their own pace. The aim of

a free voluntary reading program is to help

students to enjoy reading, so assessment is

usually minimized or eliminated entirely.

Materials

The idea behind extensive reading is that a lot of reading of interesting material that is slightly below, at, or barely above the full comprehension level of the reader will foster improved language skills.

The material should be varied in subject matter

and character.

Students choose their own reading material

and are not compelled to finish uninteresting

materials. Reading material is normally for

pleasure, information or general

understanding; reading is its own reward with

few or no follow-up exercises after reading;

reading is individual and silent. Reading

speed is usually faster when students read

materials they can easily understand.

Teachers can have diverse options like:

• Penguin readers• Classics• Comics• Newspapers• Magazines• History books• Science books

Setting a library

The role of the teacher in extensive reading programmes

The teacher is a role model who also

orients the students to the goals of the

program, explains the idea and methodology, keeps records of what

has been read, and guides students in

material selection and maximizing the effect

of the program.

Teachers orient students to the goals of the program, explain the methodology, keep track of what each student reads, and guide students in getting the most out of the program and reading in general.

Extensive reading task

• Design a new cover for your book.• Draw a series of pictures illustrating the story or

main events of the story.• Draw a map showing where the story takes place.• Design a movie poster for your book.• Make a time line of major events in the book• Create a bingo game which includes words like

names of characters, places and items from the story.• Design an advertisement for T.V., radio or newspaper,

trying to sell the book.• Make up a “wanted” poster for one of the characters.

Drawing and designing:

Writing:

•Write a letter to one of the characters.•Write a diary for one of the characters.•Make up a different ending for the story.•Make up a different beginning for the story.•Have an interview with one of the characters.

Extensive reading is contrasted with

intensive reading, which is slow, careful

reading of a small amount of difficult text – it is

when one is "focused on the language rather

than the text“. Extensive and intensive

reading are two approaches to language

learning and instruction, and may be used

concurrently; intensive reading is however the

more common approach, and often the only

one used.