Extensive reading facts for kids

Extensive reading is a super cool way to learn a language, especially if it's a new one for you, like a second or foreign language. It means you read a lot of books, articles, or stories that you enjoy. The main idea is to read for fun and understanding, not to study every single word.

Reading in Your First Language

When you do extensive reading in your first language (the one you grew up speaking), it's often called free voluntary reading. Imagine picking any book you like and reading it just for enjoyment! You can read it fast or slow, whatever feels right. These programs are usually about helping students love reading, so there are often no grades involved. Some schools even have a special time called Drop Everything and Read (DEAR), where everyone in the class stops what they're doing and reads a book.

Extensive Reading for New Languages

In 1988, two experts named Day and Bamford explained how extensive reading works for learning a second or foreign language. The goal is to read as much as you can! The books and stories should be easy enough that you feel comfortable reading them. This means they use simple grammar (how sentences are put together) and vocabulary (the words used). It's also good to read many different kinds of writing about various topics, like adventure stories, science articles, or even comics.

What Are Graded Readers?

Many extensive reading programs use special books called Graded Readers. These books are written specifically for language learners. They use simpler grammar and vocabulary that match different learning levels. Some Graded Readers are brand new stories, but many are shorter, easier versions of famous classic books, like "Alice in Wonderland" or "Treasure Island." This way, you can enjoy great stories without getting stuck on too many difficult words.

Does Extensive Reading Really Work?

Lots of teachers and students believe that just reading a lot is enough to help you learn new words. Researchers like McQuillan and Krashen also think this is true. However, other experts have done studies that show there might be a limit. They say that extensive reading might not help you learn every single new word, especially words that are not used very often. But it's still a fantastic way to improve your overall understanding and fluency in a new language!

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  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.