Rob Waring
About
Dr. Rob Waring, is Emeritus Professor at Notre Dame Seishin University in Okayama and Visiting Professor at Thammasat University, Thaland. He is an acknowledged expert in Extensive Reading and vocabulary acquisition. He has published over 80 articles and has given hundreds of lectures, plenaries and featured speaker presentations in 32 countries. He is an Executive Board member of the Extensive Reading Foundation responsible for the promotion of Extensive Reading globally. He is also author and series editor of a six series of graded readers by various publishers and has recently published Teaching Extensive Reading in Another Language with Paul Nation.Sessions
Adult ERF Affiliates reports more
Sat, Sep 6, 12:20-13:05 Asia/Tokyo
In this session, the ERF affiliates will report their activities in the previous two years. They will also present their plans for the upcoming years. Anyone is welcome to attend. Those who are interested in setting up their own ER Association or who wish to be affiliated with the ERF are welcome to attend.
All Levels Writing Graded Readers more
Fri, Sep 5, 17:30-18:50 Asia/Tokyo
This workshop will be a hands-on look at how graded readers are written and how ideas become books. Writing compelling graded readers requires more than just simplifying language—it involves thoughtful design, creative storytelling, and a deep understanding of learner needs. This interactive workshop will guide participants through the entire process of writing graded readers, from concept development to final draft. We will explore how to choose topics that engage learners, balance linguistic control with natural language, and build progression across levels. Participants will examine techniques for adapting existing texts and crafting original stories, incorporating CEFR-aligned vocabulary and grammar. Special attention will be given to voice, pacing and chapter structure among other elements. The session will also cover tools for planning, drafting, and editing. Whether you're new to writing or looking to refine your approach, this workshop offers practical strategies and inspiration to help you create effective, enjoyable graded readers.
All Levels Building Connections: A Collaborative Database for Extensive Reading Programs more
Sun, Sep 7, 09:00-09:45 Asia/Tokyo
One of the challenges of implementing extensive reading (ER) programs is the lack of shared knowledge about how these programs are structured and managed in different contexts. To address this, we propose the creation of an Extensive Reading Program Database—an open, collaborative platform where teachers can upload and share detailed information about their ER programs. This database will allow educators to contribute insights into their program design, implementation, challenges, and successes. It will serve as a resource for teachers looking to start or improve their own programs by providing examples from real-world contexts. Attendees will learn how this platform promotes collaboration, fosters innovation, and enhances the collective understanding of best practices in ER. Join us to explore how this database can empower educators, facilitate knowledge exchange, and strengthen the global ER community, ensuring greater success for extensive reading initiatives worldwide. This session will discuss how such a database might be created and implemented with attendees.
All Levels We have to do it ourselves ... Writing Graded Readers more
Mon, Sep 8, 10:55-11:40 Asia/Tokyo
Recently many publishers are increasingly disinterested in developing graded readers, and no longer prioritize promoting their existing graded reader catalogs, leading to these valuable resources becoming largely unavailable in bookstores worldwide. This presentation will address this critical issue and propose a solution: educators, researchers, and passionate individuals must take the initiative to create graded readers themselves. By leveraging insights from language teaching and learning needs, this grassroots effort can fill the void left by publishers and ensure a continuous supply of accessible, engaging, and pedagogically sound materials. Practical strategies for independent graded reader development, including collaboration, funding, and digital distribution, will be discussed. The goal is to inspire a movement to sustain and revitalize extensive reading through proactive, community-driven efforts. This presentation will report on two major graded reader writing projects in Thailand and Indonesia and will show was attendees might get involved.
All Levels From Foreign to Familiar: Making Graded Readers for Thai Learners more
Sun, Sep 7, 11:45-12:30 Asia/Tokyo
Graded readers are essential for language acquisition, but their effectiveness depends on quality stories, linguistic accessibility, and cultural relevance. While many graded readers exist, few are tailored to specific local cultures. Many stories are based on Western norms, which may not resonate in non-Western countries. This presentation focuses on developing graded readers for Thai learners of English, considering their cultural perspectives, reading preferences, and linguistic challenges. Drawing from a project funded by The Fundamental Fund, Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), the session explores narrative styles, familiar themes, cultural frameworks, interests, and vocabulary needs that align with Thai sensibilities. It also discusses how the materials from this project align with the Thai National Curriculum to enhance motivation and comprehension. The session provides practical insights for educators, publishers, and curriculum designers looking to create engaging and culturally sensitive reading materials.
College and University The Enlightenment of ER in a Vietnamese Public University more
Sun, Sep 7, 14:35-15:20 Asia/Tokyo
This presentation first examines the current state of reading and especially extensive reading in the university context in Vietnam. This review shows that EFL reading classes in Vietnam almost exclusively teach reading intensively with little to no effort made to engage the students in systematic ER programs. We will then discuss the potential solutions to more smoothly implement an ER program in Vietnam by providing an example of one such ER program at our university. The particulars of our ERF supported ER program will then be explained followed by a review of its goals and achievements. In closing, we will propose some future steps we plan to take to not only embed ER more deeply into our curriculum, but mention ways to expand this model to other universities and schools in the region.
Adult Graded Readers: Challenges, Opportunities and Creative Rewards more
Sat, Sep 6, 15:10-15:55 Asia/Tokyo
This panel discussion brings together experienced graded reader authors to explore the unique challenges of creating engaging and impactful fiction and non fiction while working within strict linguistic constraints. The session will also examine what the key priorities for writers are, what opportunities and challenges the genre offers, and how teachers themselves can delve into the art of crafting stories of their very own for their students.
