THIS ISSUE: 10 Tips to Improve Reading
Dear Arizona
Promising Practices Subscriber,
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In this issue of the
Promising Practices Forum we have bee asked to provide tips for improving reading. Brought to you by reading guru
and academic coach Jim Allen, these 10 tips can be shared by
educators to parents at anytime to help boost student interest in
reading.
National
Website of Importance: If
you are looking for a job in education in the great state of
Arizona, help is on the way! The Great Arizona Teach In is right
around the corner; point your web browser to www.teachinaz.com
for all the details!
Promising Practice Research and Tips
10
Tips to Improve Your Reading Skills
by
Jim Allen
In the modern age of information, reading truly is a
fundamental survival skill. Here are ten tips that anyone can use to
improve their reading skills:
1. You don't
have to be a great reader to get the point.
Some people read fast and remember everything. Others read slowly
and take a couple of times to get all the information. It doesn't
matter, really, so long as when you read, you get the information
you're seeking.
2. Know WHY
you're reading.
Are you reading for entertainment or to learn something? Decide why
you're reading before you start and you'll greatly improve your
comprehension and your enjoyment.
3. You don't
need to read everything.
Not every magazine, letter, and email you receive contains
information you need. In fact, most of it is simply junk. Throw it
away, hit the delete key! Just doing this will double the amount of
time you have available to read.
4. You don't
need to read all of what you DO read.
Do you read every article of every magazine, every chapter of every
book? If so, you're probably spending a lot of time reading stuff
you don't need.
Be choosy: select the chapters and articles that are important.
Ignore the rest.
5. Scan before
you read.
Look at the table of contents, index, topic headers, photo captions,
etc. These will help you determine if, a) you have a real interest
in this reading, and b) what information you're likely to get from
it.
6. Prioritize
your reading.
You can't read everything all at once (and wouldn't want to). If
it's important, read it now. If it's not, let it wait.
7. Optimize your
reading environment.
You'll read faster and comprehend more if you read in an environment
that's comfortable for you.
8. Once you
start, don't stop!
Read each item straight through. If you finish and have questions,
go back and re-read the pertinent sections. If you don't have
questions, you got what you needed and are ready to move on.
9. Focus.
Remember, you're reading with a purpose, so focus on that purpose
and the material. If you lose interest or keep losing your place,
take a break or read something else. You can keep track of where you
are by following along with your hand. This simple technique helps
you focus and increase your concentration.
10. Practice!
The more you read, the better reader you'll become (and smarter,
too)! So, feed your mind: read!
Author's Bio
Jim M. Allen is a life, career, & business coach -- and an avid
reader.
