Announcing the 8th Extensive Reading World Congress

Posted on September 10, 2025 by Wendy Gough

ERWC7 in Sapporo was a Great Success with around 400 attendees from around the world and an amazing array of presentations. Please see the ERWC7 site for more news with pictures https://erfoundation.org/erwc7/?page_id=296.

And now, announcing ERWC8

The Extensive Reading Foundation (ERF) is pleased to announce that the 8th World Congress on Extensive Reading (ERWC8) will be hosted by the Thailand Extensive Reading Association (TERA). The event will be held at Kasetsart University in Bangkok, Thailand, from 5 to 9 August 2027.

The World Congress on Extensive Reading is the premier international forum for sharing research, practice, and innovation in extensive reading and listening. Since its inception, the Congress has brought together teachers, scholars, librarians, publishers, and policy-makers from around the world to advance the principles of reading for pleasure and language learning through extensive input.

In selecting Thailand, the ERF recognizes the significant role TERA has played in promoting extensive reading across the country and the wider Asian region. Hosting ERWC8 in Bangkok provides a unique opportunity to showcase Thailand’s achievements in promoting reading, while welcoming participants from across the globe to engage in academic exchange, professional development, and cultural enrichment.

ERWC8 will feature internationally recognized plenary speakers, presentations of cutting-edge research, practical workshops, publishers’ exhibits, and networking opportunities. Attendees will also experience the cultural richness of Thailand through social and cultural programs integrated into the Congress.

Further details, including the call for papers, registration information, and sponsorship opportunities, will be released in 2026.

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A Warm Welcome to the Extensive Reading Association of Italy (ERA Italy)

Posted on August 3, 2025 by Wendy Gough

A landmark moment in language education took place as the Extensive Reading Association of Italy (ERA Italy) was officially founded at a signing ceremony held in Macerata, Italy on 26th July 2025. The formation of the ERA Italy signals Italy’s formal commitment to promoting Extensive Reading practices in foreign language education. The association aims to support teachers, researchers, and institutions by providing resources, training, and a professional community focused on the power of reading large amounts of engaging material at the appropriate level.

Congratulations to the founding members and organisations of ERA Italy: Michael Lacey Freeman (Chair), Peter Frederick Anderson (Secretary and Treasurer and owner of the language school, Anderson House), Vanessa Hartson Walker – Board member and Vice-President (owner of the language school, Kids Can), Donatella Fitzgerald MBE – Board member (Pearson), Giovanni Rovelli – Board member and Publicity Manager (Pearson), Elizabeth Porteous Cicconi (Board Member), Sarah Ruth Gudgeon (Board Member), Maria Cleary (Helbling ), Harold John Cullinane (ELI ), Fiorella Montevago (Usborne), and Marcus Daniel Mattia. Other key members of the association: Rob Waring (ERF Exec), Christina Caughlan, Maria Cristina Bevilacqua (Board Member and Events Manager), Simeon Cooper (Social Media Manager), Grazia Ancillani, Elena Mancinelli, and Patrizia Mancinelli.

Founding members of ERA Italy signed the charter outlining the association’s mission: to advance research, organize conferences and workshops, and advocate for ER in educational policy and classroom practice.

“This is an important moment for language education in Italy,” said Michael Lacey Freeman, Chair of the Extensive Reading Association in Italy. “ERA Italy will provide a national platform to share good practice, inspire innovation, and expand the reach of Extensive Reading to more learners across the country.” For more information, or to become a member of ERA Italy, please visit the website.

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