The Reading Method: A Complete Guide
The reading method, also known as “the reading approach,” is often said to be outdated and inefficient compared to more modern methods.
But that doesn’t stop people from being curious.
In fact, I might even go out on a limb and say that the reading approach could make a comeback in the upcoming years. I regularly read forum posts and messages from people who want to know more about the reading method.
And I agree – it is an interesting approach. The idea of learning a language by, practically, only reading, is a dream to us who love reading.
So, is the reading method as bad as some suggest, or could it be used to acquire a second language?
Let’s find out.
What is the reading method
As the name suggests, the reading method is an approach to language learning primarily focusing on reading. The idea is that you will acquire vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills by simply reading different types of texts.
The reading method is based on comprehensible input, which means using material where you understand most of the content – but not all of it. Simply put, you will expose yourself to language material slightly above your current level of understanding.
When you understand the majority of a text but not all of it, you are encouraged to understand the missing pieces through context.
For example, imagine that you are learning English and read this sentence:
“The cat is black so it can’t be seen at night”
You understand everything apart from the word “black.” But through context, you can understand what “black” is and, thus, learn a new word.
That’s the reading method in its essence.
By engaging with a wide range of reading materials, you will acquire your target language naturally and organically – not through instruction but immersion.
As with the direct method, the reading approach doesn’t believe in translations. Instead, the teacher should provide explanations of words and sentences only in the target language. This is usually done before or after a text has been read, and not during the reading exercise.
Very little emphasis is put on grammar, at least in terms of instructions and study focus. For basic grammar, the student is expected to understand and recognize patterns and structures on their own through reading exercises.
One of the core elements of the reading method, and why so many people are curious about the approach, is that you are encouraged to read what you like. As many recent studies have suggested, our ability to learn and remember things increases when we enjoy ourselves.
In the natural approach we often talk about lowering our affective filter, as stress and lack of motivation can hinder language learning. By reading things you enjoy and like, you are essentially reducing your affective filter and, thus, increasing your likelihood of acquiring your target language.
Practical approach
The reading method means that you will read, read, and read some more. As you can imagine, there are millions of ways of doing this.
To get a more structured and organized approach, here are some examples of how to follow the reading method for your language learning.
1. Graded readers
At the beginning of your language journey, graded readers are always a good place to start. Graded readers are books specifically written for language learners. They are categorized by difficulty level, allowing you to choose a book or text appropriate for your skill level.
As you progress, you can move to higher-level graded readers with more advanced texts.
This solves the problem of finding books that are:
- Properly written
- For your level
Many people buy children’s books to learn from. In some cases, those can be helpful, but other times, they are not. That’s because some children’s books are not properly written.
When my children were young, they had a couple of books that were written in spoken language, and some were written in a “playful” way with grammatical errors and misspellings. Those books would have been a horrible way for someone to learn a second language.
Instead, focus on getting graded readers for your target language. If you want to read children’s books that are not graded, try to first verify with a native speaker that the content is OK.
2. Diversify reading material
While the reading method encourages you to read things you enjoy, it’s important to broaden your horizons in terms of what you read.
Try to get exposure to different genres and styles to help develop a well-rounded understanding of your target language. That can include anything from books, magazines, articles, and short stories.
3. Read and then write
Incorporate writing tasks that are connected to the things you read. For example, you can write a review or a short report of the book you just read. Another fun exercise is to do a character analysis or create an alternative ending to the story.
It’s important to engage with the language in more ways than just reading.
4. Use audiobooks
This is a personal favorite: listen to the audiobook and read the book simultaneously. This is a great way to improve your pronunciation and listening comprehension skills.
This might be one of the most underrated exercises for people who study at home.
5. Discuss together
Find someone who is trying to learn the same language as you, and form a reading group. It’s best to do this with one person, as bigger groups mean a larger range of levels.
Both you and your partner can read a book, and then meet once a week to discuss it – in your target language, of course.
It’s simple, only requires an hour a week (for the meeting), and you get to learn together with others.
Benefits of the reading method
People are often quick to highlight the potential drawbacks and challenges of the reading method and completely ignore the positive aspects of this approach.
So, let’s start with the good stuff!
Vocabulary acquisition
Extensive reading exposes you to a vast amount of vocabulary in different contexts, allowing you to naturally acquire new words and phrases. Instead of memorizing vocabulary through drills, you’ll learn them through the natural repetitions in your learning material.
Improved grammar
Through extensive reading, you are constantly engaging with language structure. This exposure helps you internalize and understand grammar rules without the need for explicit instructions.
Grammar patterns and language structures are much easier to spot and understand in written form than when spoken.
You become a good reader
As they say, mastery comes from repetition. If you want to become a good reader in your target language, you’ll have to read a lot.
When using the reading method, you will consume a large number of texts, which will inevitably make you a better reader.
It is motivating
One of the main reasons many people give up on learning a second language is because they lack motivation. Repetitions and drills can get boring, making language acquisition a chore.
The great thing about the reading method is that you can learn by using material that you enjoy. By reading the books, articles, and novels thatinterest you.
Combining what you enjoy with learning makes it less of a task and more of a form of entertainment with an intellectual bonus.
Challenges of the reading method
I have mentioned a couple of times that some people believe the reading method is outdated and inefficient. The time has come to see what the main criticism of this approach is.
Limited speaking practice
The primary focus of the reading method is reading. Other forms of communication, like speaking, listening, and writing, are also incorporated into this approach, but they are very limited.
As a result, you might not get enough speaking practice to develop the necessary skills to communicate fluently. This is true for any method that focuses on primarily one thing.
Finding appropriate material
Selecting reading material that is both interesting and appropriate for your skill level can be tricky. That’s especially true if you want to learn a language with fewer resources available.
If you want to learn English, there are an unlimited number of resources available. But if you are trying to learn Slovak or Finnish, you might not have as many resources to choose from.
If you are studying on your own, then it’s recommended to start with graded readers.
Quantity over quality
The reading method is quite extreme in the sense that most exercises involve only one thing: reading. You are encouraged to read extensively, which can result in some students focusing more on quantity rather than quality.
This is one of the main criticisms of the reading method, but it can be avoided by being intentional with the exercises and texts that you read.
Instead of setting a daily goal of reading a specific number of pages, a more practical approach could be to set a target for the number of new words you encounter when reading.
Lack of feedback
Extensive reading usually means independent reading without immediate feedback from a teacher.
Thus, it’s recommended to implement reading logs, book discussions or periodic assessments (with a teacher or a native speaker) to receive guidance and feedback.