Extensive reading is a useful practice that can manifest itself in different ways depending on the teacher and class, however it remains a relatively underused language teaching technique. Dr. Peter Watkins has created an Extensive reading in ELT whitepaper as part of the Cambridge Papers in ELT series to discuss why extensive reading is important and how we can implement it in the classroom…
Characteristics of the reading activity
The paper is based around the 10 key principles you should keep in mind when considering such a task in the classroom. Find out why using a text with few unknown words is best and why students should choose their own texts.
The benefits
Why it’s important for learners to undertake this type of reading and how they develop through an activity like this. Extensive reading not only supports reading skills development, but also language proficiency.
Barriers to extensive reading
Discover why this technique is relatively underused in language teaching, determine the potential barriers that you may need to overcome, and decide whether it is something you would like to encourage your learners to undertake.
Implementing extensive reading
To help introduce this to your class you should provide material on a variety of topics, ensure learners understand the benefits and share your own experiences.
Implications for teachers and course designers
What should be provided to learners and what to consider in order to adapt, and tailor extensive reading exercises for your audience.
Download the free Extensive reading in ELT: Why and how? whitepaper and let us know in the comments below if you plan to include extensive reading in your lessons!