Three ways English students can learn to read at home

Kate Fitzpatrick
A woman reading outside with a book
Reading time: 4 minutes

Read more at home if you want to learn English faster: three ways to get into the habit

I can hear parents, ELT learners and teachers all over the world thinking to themselves: We know it helps if English students learn to read for pleasure at home, but how are we supposed to find the time? Who is buying these materials? What if a parent doesn¡¯t speak English themselves?

That¡¯s the beauty of reading at home, also called extensive reading: it¡¯s completely autonomous and parents can be as involved as much or little as they like. There¡¯s more good news as it¡¯s never been cheaper to assemble a selection of extensive readers for your children or students, meaning that cost is no longer so much of a barrier to reading at home.

Is extensive reading really that critical to learning English?

Stephen D. Krashen¡¯s [1]??offers a marvellous summary and critique of extensive reading studies around the world, concluding that:

"When [second language learners] read for pleasure, they can continue to improve in their second language without classes, without teachers, without study and even without people to converse with.¡¯"?(Krashen 1993 p. 84)

Philip Prowse¡¯s excellent article, ¡°What is the secret of extensive reading?¡±[2]?agrees with Krashen¡¯s conclusion.

Prowse goes into more detail about efficacy studies at primary, secondary and adult levels. This body of evidence finds that reading for pleasure improves results in grammar, writing, speaking and fluency, as well as comprehension and vocabulary ¨C both alongside and instead of traditional textbooks.

So, we know it works. As with so many education-related things, the question is how to implement them. Christine Nuttall talks about the virtuous circle of reading ¨C once a learner begins to enjoy reading, they are more likely to read more and benefit more from it, so they learn to read more, and so on.

The reverse is also true. The questions then follow: how do we motivate our Instakids to read at home in English, if they won¡¯t read in their first language? How do we carve out time between travel, work, school and homework? Here are three ways you can form the habit of reading at home:

1. Learners need access to extensive reading material at home to use it

Krashen establishes this common-sense fact based on five studies from 1983 to 2003.[2]?It can be a reading app, an online library subscription or a pile of readers in the corner ¨C whatever it is, it has to be the right level for the student and it has to be a topic they¡¯re interested in, or they¡¯ll never learn to read for pleasure.

Negative reading habits can happen simply because there isn¡¯t much available to the learner: Worthy and McCool studied 11 sixth-graders in 1998 who "hated to read", and found a direct correlation between those students and the lack of reading material at home.[3] Thankfully, we now have more options than we used to:

For extensive reading online, the Extensive Reading Foundation offers good-quality, free materials, in audio and print, at its .?These text resources and audiobooks tend to be quite basic and the stories are largely classics. You can choose by level and genre, and there is also a publisher directory.

  • You can purchase full ÃÛÌÒapp English Readers and other publishers¡¯ Kindle editions on the Kindle store, iBookstore and Google Play, and read them on an e-reader, phone or tablet using the Kindle app. These are finely-graded, contemporary, relevant e-books with titles like , , , , , , and .
  • An e-book library subscription can be a cost-effective way to get access to a lot of e-books online through your browser. is a Japanese-run online library which offers hundreds of full-text graded readers, from reputable publishers, and charges about $19 per year.
  • For print readers, cost can be an issue. If you can't buy readers at your local bookshop from a publisher like ÃÛÌÒapp, you can buy first- or second-hand readers cheaply from Amazon or the Book Depository, or you can ask your school to let you know when they¡¯re upgrading their readers library, as you may be able to take some of the older books home.

2.?Make the most of the commute or the school run

The key here is routine ¨C give it a try and see if it works for you. Reading doesn¡¯t just happen on a page. Today¡¯s English learners have multiple ways to read for pleasure on their various devices as well as in print, all of which are well-adapted for reading and listening on the train/on the bus/in the car/on foot.

I listen to podcasts on my commute by train and, to this day, I know my times tables thanks to a tape my mother used to play in the car on the way to primary school.

  • Download a podcast or audiobook. Ideally, an English learner would both read and listen, but one or the other is better than nothing. Audible.com has plenty of English extensive readers in audiobook format, and a year¡¯s membership is $10 per month, or you can buy individual audiobooks. There are classic extensive reading podcasts available on iTunes for $4.99 each.
  • Never underestimate your public library.??is an online service that finds your local library for you, wherever you are in the world. You can also search by title and see which libraries carry that particular book. Just think: you could create an instant, extensive reading library at your home for free that changes every month.

3. Consider the power of rewards

You can reward your child or reward yourself for building a reading habit. Remember, we are talking about starting a virtuous circle: persuading a learner to begin a new habit of reading in English for pleasure. Reward mechanisms can be very effective.

This idea should be explored on a case-by-case basis ¨C it depends on what you or your child responds to best. In my opinion, starting a reading habit is well worth a glass of wine, a chocolate treat, or an extra half-hour playing video games.

References

[1]?Krashen, Stephen D. (2004)?,?p57

[2]? Prowse, Philip: ¡°¡±?

[3] Worthy, J. and McKool, S. (1996): ¡°¡± in Ibid, p61

Read our other posts 'Reading strategies for primary and secondary' and 'How can teachers encourage parents to get kids reading at home?'.

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    Fun end-of-year activities to keep learners engaged

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    Reading time: 3 minutes

    The end of the school year can be bittersweet. Students are excited for the holidays, but teachers have the tricky task of keeping their attention as focus starts to fade. The upside? It¡¯s the perfect chance to make this time fun, memorable and engaging with creative classroom ideas that really stick. Here's a list of end-of-year school activities to ensure your students stay motivated all the way to the final bell.

    1. End of year projects

    Longer projects are perfect for the end of the year because they encourage deeper engagement. Here are a few ideas to try out.

    • Class memory book: Ask students to contribute to a collaborative memory book filled with drawings, photos, or written reflections on their favorite moments of the year.
    • Passion projects: Give students the chance to dive into something they¡¯re really interested in and wrap it up with a fun presentation or creative display.
    • Local impact projects: Challenge your learners to brainstorm ways to support their local community. They could develop a plan or even implement their ideas.

    2. Holiday-themed school activities

    With the festive season approaching, it¡¯s the perfect excuse to blend learning with holiday cheer.

    • Cultural exploration: Encourage students to research and share how different cultures celebrate the holidays, fostering inclusivity and curiosity. They can also share how they celebrate the end of the year and any New Year traditions.
    • Art session: Organise a holiday craft-making session where students create ornaments, cards, or posters. Encourage students to write and create cards to take home to their loved ones.

    3. Interactive learning games

    Interactive games are an easy way to maintain focus and excitement.

    • Trivia challenges: Create trivia questions about topics covered during the year¡ªbonus points for including playful or funny questions about inside jokes or class moments.
    • Escape room activities: Turn your classroom into an educational escape room with puzzles, problem-solving challenges and hidden clues.
    • AI Guess Who: Most AI chatbots will let you play games like Guess Who; play this with the class to liven things up.?Let them take turns to guess who the chatbot is thinking of. You can also use '.

    4. Group activities

    Encourage collaboration with team tasks that bring students together.

    • Talent show: Give students the chance to showcase their talents, from singing and dancing to magic tricks and storytelling. It can be a great way to encourage them to practice language skills.
    • Debate tournaments: Divide your class into teams and set them up for friendly debates on fun or meaningful topics.
    • Story circles: Build stories as a group by having students take turns adding to the tale.

    5. Creative classroom ideas

    Don¡¯t hesitate to think outside the box with these unique ideas:

    • Class awards ceremony: Create fun and light-hearted awards for each student, such as ¡°Best Scientist¡± or ¡°Most Curious Learner.¡±
    • Time capsule creation: Have students write letters to their future selves or fill a box with objects representing the year.
    • Themed classroom party: Use a theme, such as a tropical luau or winter wonderland, to bring the class together for a fun party with food, games and music.

    6. Classroom party ideas

    Every great year deserves a great finish. Host a lesson that brings your students closer together.

    • Movie afternoon: Set up your classroom and dim the lights to create a cinema atmosphere for a class movie.
    • Game board bonanza: Bring in board games and allow students a relaxed day of friendly competition. If none are available, get students to create their own games.

    Keep the learning spirit alive

    The end of the school year doesn¡¯t have to signal the end of learning. With a bit of creativity, teachers can make the last weeks of school productive and enjoyable. From fun classroom activities to meaningful year-end projects for students, these ideas will set the stage for a memorable finish.

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    By Charlotte Guest
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    There's a certain allure that surrounds spooky words. Their very sound can send shivers down your spine and their meanings often carry chilling tales of the past. For those who revel in the peculiarities of language, exploring the origins of these eerie expressions offers a hauntingly delightful experience.

    Language is full of mystery and the etymology of words related to the supernatural is no exception. Let's take a closer look at some of the most spine-tingling words in the English language and unearth their origins.

    1.?Ghoul

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    2.?Witch

    "Witch" is a word steeped in history and lore. Its origins can be traced back to the Old English word "wicce" (for a female witch) and "wicca" (for a male witch). These terms are believed to be linked to the Proto-Germanic root "wikkjaz," meaning "one who wakes the dead." Over the centuries, the image of witches transformed, influenced by cultural narratives and historical events such as the infamous witch trials.

    3.?Vampire

    The word "vampire" conjures images of blood-sucking fiends that prowl the night but its linguistic origins are equally fascinating. It likely comes from the Serbian word "vampire," which gained popularity in the 18th century in Western Europe. This term was used to describe beings that rise from the grave to feast on the living, a concept that has since been romanticized in literature and film.

    4.?Specter

    Derived from the Latin "spectrum," meaning "appearance" or "vision," the term "specter" is often used to describe a ghostly apparition. In the 17th century, it came to be associated with the haunting phantoms that drift through abandoned halls and eerie landscapes. Its spectral connotations are timeless, evoking images of translucent figures and the eerie rustle of bygone whispers.

    5.?Zombie

    While the concept of reanimated corpses exists in various cultures, the word "zombie" has its origins in West African folklore. It is derived from the Kikongo word "nzambi," meaning "spirit of a dead person." The term was introduced to the Western world through Haitian Vodou practices and gained prominence in popular culture during the 20th century.

    6.?Poltergeist

    The term "poltergeist" originates from the German words "poltern," meaning "to make noise," and "Geist," meaning "spirit" or "ghost." This eerie word describes a type of supernatural entity that is known for its mischievous and sometimes malevolent behavior, often manifested through unexplained noises or objects moving without apparent cause. Poltergeist occurrences have long featured in folklore and horror stories, capturing the imagination with tales of restless spirits causing chaotic disturbances in the world of the living.

    7.?Banshee

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    8.?Doppelg?nger

    The term "doppelg?nger" originates from the German language, combining "doppel," meaning "double," with "G?nger," meaning "goer" or "walker." It refers to the unsettling phenomenon of encountering one's double, often considered an omen of bad luck or death. In folklore, a doppelg?nger is thought to be a spirit or supernatural entity that takes on the appearance of a living person. This eerie concept has been a source of fascination in literature and art, exploring themes of identity and the dual nature of the self.

    9.?Wraith

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    10.?Mummy

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    11.?Werewolf

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    The power of spooky language

    Spooky words hold a unique power over us. Understanding their origins not only enriches our linguistic knowledge but also deepens our appreciation for the stories and cultures that have shaped these words over time.

    For linguaphiles, unraveling the mysteries behind spooky words is a thrilling adventure. Each term carries a legacy, a tapestry woven with tales of terror and wonder. Whether you're penning a chilling tale or simply enjoy the art of language, these eerie expressions continue to captivate and inspire.

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