This year the school has participated in an innovative programme called ‘Extensive Reading.’
It is being run as a pilot programme in a limited number of schools in and around Rome and is the first of its kind in Italy. The project is run in conjunction with the British Council and is part of an initiative to promote Extensive Reading in the classroom. The group meets twice a month and the emphasis is on reading for pleasure and reading at a level suitable to each individual student. When students read ‘extensively’ they read quickly, fluently, with adequate comprehension so the books chosen must be relatively easy. Focus is placed on a relaxed, tension-free learning environment and activities range from oral book summaries to written exercises, viewing of DVDs’ and various follow-up activities.
Research has shown that ER compared to traditional methods of language teaching allows the students to meet the language in its natural context. It also builds vocabulary, helps students get a sense of how grammatical patterns work and builds their confidence, motivation and an enjoyment of ‘reading for pleasure’ which undoubtedly makes students more effective language users. The library of books used in the project are ‘Bookworms’ Graded Readers, written especially for language learners to build their speed and fluency and are chosen taking into consideration the students personal interests and preferences. The books are accompanied by Audio CDS and Multi ROMs allowing participants to model their pronunciation on native speakers. All types of books are used: novels, fact files, thrillers, classics, crime and mystery, adventure and human interest.
It is being run as a pilot programme in a limited number of schools in and around Rome and is the first of its kind in Italy. The project is run in conjunction with the British Council and is part of an initiative to promote Extensive Reading in the classroom. The group meets twice a month and the emphasis is on reading for pleasure and reading at a level suitable to each individual student. When students read ‘extensively’ they read quickly, fluently, with adequate comprehension so the books chosen must be relatively easy. Focus is placed on a relaxed, tension-free learning environment and activities range from oral book summaries to written exercises, viewing of DVDs’ and various follow-up activities.
Research has shown that ER compared to traditional methods of language teaching allows the students to meet the language in its natural context. It also builds vocabulary, helps students get a sense of how grammatical patterns work and builds their confidence, motivation and an enjoyment of ‘reading for pleasure’ which undoubtedly makes students more effective language users. The library of books used in the project are ‘Bookworms’ Graded Readers, written especially for language learners to build their speed and fluency and are chosen taking into consideration the students personal interests and preferences. The books are accompanied by Audio CDS and Multi ROMs allowing participants to model their pronunciation on native speakers. All types of books are used: novels, fact files, thrillers, classics, crime and mystery, adventure and human interest.
For more information, you can visit The Extensive Reading Foundation at : www.erfoundation.org and www.oup-bookworms.com
Anyone wishing to find out more is welcome to join in at one of the meetings, just come along!
Anyone wishing to find out more is welcome to join in at one of the meetings, just come along!
Angela Webb
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