This comprehensive examination of extensive reading shows how reading large quantities of books and other materials can provide students with essential practice in learning to read and help them develop a positive attitude towards reading, which is sometimes missed in second language classes. The authors first examine the cognitive and affective nature of reading and then offer a wealth of practical advice for implementing extensive reading with second language learners. Suggestions are provided for integrating extensive reading into the curriculum, establishing a library, selecting reading materials, and keeping records for purposes of evaluation. The text also describes a wide variety of classroom activities to supplement individualized silent reading. The information will be useful both for pre-service teachers and for teachers and administrators who want to improve the teaching of reading in their second language programs.

This lively collection of over 100 classroom activities allows teachers to exploit fully the language learning potential of extensive reading. The activities, contributed by teachers who have used them successfully in classrooms all over the world, introduce extensive reading to students, and link it with the rest of the language curriculum. Here is a wealth of ideas for encouraging students to read, and for using students' reading experiences for further language practice and learning. These creative and enjoyable speaking, listening, role-play, reading, writing, and vocabulary activities are suitable for students of all ages and levels. Each activity is clearly explained, together with a personal note from its author. This is a handbook for teachers of general language courses, or grammar, listening, speaking, writing, or reading courses. It is written for teachers both non-native and native speaking, and for teachers both novice and experienced. It will also be of interest to teacher-educators.

Extensive Reading is an innovative resource bridging theory and practice for those seeking to learn about extensive reading (ER) for L2 students' language development, including ways to motivate students to read extensively and to assess learning. Grounded in contemporary theory and the latest research both on ER and motivation, experts Sue Leather and Jez Uden offer a rich array of original activities to help teachers in the classroom and beyond with this effective but difficult-to-implement pedagogical tool. Advanced students, researchers, teacher trainers, and pre- and in-service teachers – and ultimately their students themselves – will benefit from this book.

Extensive reading brings substantial benefits to language learning. Find out about the importance of extensive free reading, how to develop extensive reading materials, choosing the right graded readers for your class, exploiting class readers, developing class libraries, and setting up and running reading circles.

This book provides pedagogical suggestions for both teachers and learners.

"Revised to include a case study of Read On! programme in Italy"--Cover.