Extensive reading can achieve many learning goals besides being a very enjoyable pastime. In this talk I focus on vocabulary learning, considering what vocabulary knowledge needs to occur before extensive reading and how extensive reading can contribute to vocabulary learning.

As part of the knowledge needed when extensive reading begins, I look at word part knowledge and knowledge of how to learn and how these contribute to reading and vocabulary learning. Vocabulary learning during extensive reading is most effective if learners read at the right level because this allows the conditions of repetition, retrieval, varied meetings and elaboration to occur. If learners know how to manage their reading, they can increase their vocabulary knowledge, their reading skill and their fluency in reading.