If you’ve ever seen students giggling over a book or eagerly flipping through pages, congratulations—you’ve witnessed the magic of extensive reading in action. Extensive Reading (ER) in English Language Teaching (ELT) is not just about improving language skills; it’s about getting lost in the joy of reading. And guess what? Fun while learning isn’t just an unexpected bonus—it’s the whole point! Let’s explore why extensive reading is both educational and enjoyable, and why teachers should feel proud to make their classrooms hubs of happiness.
What Is Extensive Reading?
Extensive reading is the practice of reading large amounts of material for pleasure, usually at a student’s independent reading level. Texts are chosen by the learners themselves—keeping engagement high—and should be captivating enough to sustain interest over time. This is worlds apart from intensive reading, which focuses on studying shorter texts carefully. Imagine letting your students choose their reading adventure, whether it’s a gripping novel, an inspiring biography, or a comic book. The goal? Encourage students to read for meaning and enjoyment rather than to focus on grammar or vocabulary details.
The Fun Factor in Extensive Reading
- Freedom of Choice: One of the primary ingredients of making ER fun is choice. Students can pick a Harry Potter novel, a mystery by Agatha Christie, or even manga like One Piece. This freedom makes learning personal, relevant, and engaging.
Imagine a group of students in a library: one is engrossed in The Hunger Games, another laughs at Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and a third dives into a travelogue about Iceland. They’re all reading, enjoying, and—most importantly—learning.
- Reading as a Relaxation Tool: Research shows that reading reduces stress by up to 68% (University of Sussex). When students find a comfy corner and lose themselves in a book, their stress levels drop, putting them in the ideal state for language acquisition. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone—having fun while making language learning more effective.
- Encouraging Curiosity: ER feeds curiosity. I once had a student fascinated by sharks. I handed him Sharks: Fact and Fiction, an illustrated book full of shark trivia. Weeks later, he was talking about different shark species and ocean vocabulary with the enthusiasm of a marine biologist. This is where fun transforms into deep learning.
How Extensive Reading Improves Language Skills
ER may feel like fun, but it leads to substantial language improvement.
- Vocabulary Growth: When students immerse themselves in enjoyable, easy-to-read materials, they encounter new words naturally. In this low-pressure setting, they can infer meaning from context and build a rich vocabulary without memorizing lists. A student reading Percy Jackson will, for example, absorb Greek mythology terms without realizing it. Suddenly, they know who Zeus is and can talk about lightning bolts and Olympus with ease.
- Grammatical Intuition: Natural exposure to well-structured sentences helps students internalize grammar rules without formal instruction. Reading sentences with similar structures reinforces how language functions. Have you ever noticed how frequent readers intuitively place commas or structure complex sentences? That’s grammar acquisition in action—no drills needed!
- Enhanced Reading Fluency: Like riding a bike, fluency improves with practice. Through extensive reading, students begin to recognize language patterns, improving their ability to read quickly and smoothly. This fluency often extends to writing and speaking.
Tips for Making ER Fun in Your Classroom
- Let Students Choose: Encourage students to pick materials that resonate with their interests, whether graphic novels, fantasy, or travel books. Anything goes as long as it sparks joy.
- Create a Comfortable Reading Environment: Designate a cozy reading corner in the classroom with bean bags, comfortable chairs, and good lighting. When reading feels like a break, students are more likely to enjoy it.
- Offer Book Clubs: Start a book club where students can choose books to read and discuss together. Peer discussions add a social element, making ER a shared experience rather than a solitary task.
- Gamify Reading: Track reading progress with fun apps like Book Wizard or organize reading challenges. Students can earn badges or points for books they finish, turning reading into a fun, competitive activity.
Extensive Reading: Fun First, Learning Follows
In the world of language learning, fun isn’t the enemy—it’s the secret weapon. ER gives students the chance to learn without realizing it. By diving into stories and adventures, they expand their vocabulary, improve fluency, and refine their grammar skills—all while having a blast. In the world of ELT, if that’s a crime, consider us all guilty with pride!
References:
- https://bookwizard.scholastic.com/
- Day, R., & Bamford, J. (1998). Extensive Reading in the Second Language Classroom. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Krashen, S. (2004). The Power of Reading: Insights from the Research. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.
- University of Sussex. (2009). "Reading can reduce stress levels by up to 68%," Sussex Research.
