Extensive Reading in English Language Teaching

by Andrzej Cirocki

This book presents a wide-ranging examination of extensive reading and its great role in increasing literacy and language development as well as fostering a positive attitude towards reading. The authors are first concerned with theoretical issues pertaining to reading English as a foreign or second language, showing how a theoretical model can be instrumental in helping teachers to encourage their students to learn to read. Then, the authors discuss the place and role of literature in language instruction at different levels, ranging from primary to university, where the term literature denotes both texts written for native speakers and graded texts designed for language learners. Suggestions are provided for integrating extensive reading into the curriculum, establishing a library, and selecting reading materials. The authors also present numerous benefits which can accrue from extensive reading, improvements in learners' general language proficiency, reading fluency, vocabulary acquisition, affective changes as well as developing communicative and (inter)cultural competences - a priority of the present-day EFL/ESL classroom. Finally, the text provides practical teaching tips, including extensive reading programme guidelines, lesson plans and activities. This innovative book will undoubtedly be a worthwhile reference source for teachers, teacher educators, and teacher trainees for years to come.

Paperback

Published January 1, 2009