Using Integrative Extended Reading: An Innovative Approach to Improve Reading Engagement Among Multilingual Learners of English

Extended reading (ER) “is a teacher‐directed variation of extensive reading,” where students independently read authentic text outside class which is at or slightly above their proficiency levels outside class with weekly assessments. This form of reading can improve reading proficiency for less motivated students who may find it challenging to engage actively with traditional extensive reading activities. In my view, however, integrative extended reading (IER), where reading is presented through at least two language skills, is an appropriate and effective approach because it connects both in‐class and outside‐class reading with speaking and/or writing assignments in a scaffolded manner. Using this innovative approach, reading becomes the foundation for speaking and writing, which can pique MLEs’ motivation and engagement, regardless of their English proficiency levels.