Extensive reading

Extensive reading (ER) is the process of reading longer, easier texts for an extended period of time without a breakdown of comprehension, feeling overwhelmed, or the need to take breaks.[1][2] It stands in contrast to intensive or academic reading, which is focused on a close reading of dense, shorter texts, typically not read for pleasure.[3][2] Though used as a teaching strategy to promote second-language development, ER also applies to free voluntary reading and recreational reading both in and out of the classroom. ER is based on the assumption that we learn to read by reading.[4]

Implementation of ER is often referred to as sustained silent reading (SSR) or free voluntary reading; and is used in both the first- (L1) and second-language (L2) classroom to promote reading fluency and comprehension.[1] In addition to fluency and comprehension, ER has other numerous benefits for both first- and second-language learners, such as greater grammar and vocabulary knowledge, increase in background knowledge, and greater language confidence and motivation.[1][5]

ER pamphlet created by the Extensive Reading Foundation
About half of all children in rural Laos speak a minority ethnic language at home, and have difficulty in school, which is taught only in the Lao language. This primary school in Laos began a daily reading period in September 2013, in which children select a book to read simply for enjoyment. Big Brother Mouse, a literacy project that sponsored the program, began conducting a study in 2013 to measure reading and vocabulary improvements in schools that had this program.
  1. ^ a b c Grabe, W. (2012). Reading in a second language : moving from theory to practice. Cambridge University Press. OCLC 1010878257.
  2. ^ a b Nakanishi, Takayuki (2014-03-10). "A Meta-Analysis of Extensive Reading Research". TESOL Quarterly. 49 (1): 6–37. doi:10.1002/tesq.157. hdl:20.500.12613/3325. ISSN 0039-8322.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference :22 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Rodrigo, V.; Greenberg, D.; Burke, V.; Hall, R.; Berry, A.; Brinck, T.; Joseph, H.; Oby, M. (2007). "Implementing an extensive reading program and library for adult literacy learners". Reading in a Foreign Language. 19 (2): 106–119.
  5. ^ Krashen, S. (2004). Free voluntary reading: New research, applications, and controversies. RELC Conference.