| Promoting Extensive Reading: Graded Readers Library Tuiara Bekhtiueva In the previous article, I discussed extensive reading as a wonderful activity that not only engages children in reading in a foreign language but also contributes to their overall language development. In this article, I will propose a project idea for organising regular extensive reading in the classroom to get the maximum benefit for language skills development. |
Project "Book of the Month"
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Objectives
1The goal of this project is to promote reading and to form a habit of reading by careful selecting of books according to learners’ language proficiency and increasing the availability and variety of books. Reading within the project should not be assessed by the teacher, that is students do not get marks or have any negative consequences while participating or not participating. It is better to focus on igniting students' interest by explaining how beneficial the project is.
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Description
A mini-library is organised in the classroom, featuring low shelves and books displayed by covers to attract attention; a sofa, comfortable chairs or bean bags can be placed nearby. Children can read in the classroom or take books home through an organised subscription managed by either the teacher or the children themselves.
Throughout the month student read books of their choice and rate them. At least 1 lesson in a week is devoted to extensive reading, focusing on discussions of what has been read. Integrating this into the curriculum allows the project to exist for a long time and helps a teacher monitor students' progress. At the end of the month, the top recommendation is displayed to the class and the entire school. This tradition continues each month, promoting sustained reading habits and learning outcomes, with students reading more than 1 book per week. At the end of the year, the overall class rating is announced. The project can be showcased to the city through TV reporters, allowing children to tell about it, present their achievements, and inspire others.
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Role of the teacher
The teacher needs to compile a library, select graded readers according to the students’ level, replenish the library when needed, increase levels of graded readers, addressing requests and various issues promptly, such as overdue books. An interest should be maintained through serving as a role model, and organising joint discussions and monthly events to announce the "Book of the Month".
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Strengths
Motivation to read is enhanced by easy access to a wide variety of books and the freedom to choose a book. Peer-to-peer recommendations and interactions foster a reading environment and give students "a sense of achievement" (Mikami&Shiozawa), when reading is an award of its own. The monthly goal encourages students to read consistently and increase reading speeds to evaluate more books.
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Weaknesses
The drawback is the financial cost of purchasing a large number of books. It can be mitigated through donations, crowdfunding, support from city libraries, joint book collections and exchanges between students and their families. Another option is to print graded readers that are short for beginning levels and demand minimal paper. Lastly, in addition to a physical library, actively using free online graded readers can help reduce costs.
Extensive reading significantly enhances language acquisition if implemented correctly, adhering to specific conditions, such as minimising stress, focusing on meaning, and ensuring texts are comprehensible and interesting.
Tuiara Bekhtiueva
As Dave Burgess writes in his book Teach Like a Pirate (in Russian translation Обучение как приключение), one of the most important abilities of a teacher is to ask themselves the right questions. Rather than focusing on how difficult or nearly impossible it might seem, ask yourself, "How can I create a library that motivates students to read?"
And lastly, to assess reading development, check out the "Rocket" scale, which has been specifically adapted for our students. It is not only useful for evaluating reading literacy development but also motivates children to grow and read thoughtfully.
And lastly, to assess reading development, check out the "Rocket" scale, which has been specifically adapted for our students. It is not only useful for evaluating reading literacy development but also motivates children to grow and read thoughtfully.
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