"I don't want to read." "Reading is boring." Reading is old school." "Reading takes an excessive amount of time." "I'd rather watch the movie." I'm sure many of us have heard either these lines or something similar when attempting to encourage a reluctant reader to read. Oftentimes we will hear this from children; however, there's a large amount of adults who express the exact same sentiments. This may be problematic for all of us as a nation because reading is the inspiration for learning. As self-service automation becomes more and more an integral part of our daily lives, the more critical the ability to read and process information quickly becomes. The only path to construct our reading and comprehension skills is through the practice of reading and for the reluctant or non-readers, they are not getting this practice.
A study conducted by the Pew Research Center in March of 2018 titled Who Doesn't Read Books in America discovered that about a quarter of American adults (24%) say they haven't read a book in whole or partly before year, whether in publications, electronic or audio form. I'm sure we could safely make the leap that people who say they haven't read a book before year are people who don't find reading to be their activity of choice.
So, how do convince reluctant or non-readers that it truly is in their utmost interest to see more? Just how do we help this segment of the population understand how critical reading is to everything we do today? Just how do we encourage people who would rather watch paint dry than reading, get a book and read it?
The good news is, everybody has one or more interest and is likely to have several. There's no topic that has not been discussing either in a book or article form. In reality, there has not been a much better amount of time in our history when it comes to accessing information. It generally is at our fingertips. As an example, I enjoy aviation and the very thought of being a pilot and while I have not obtained my pilot's license yet, I continuously read books, blogs, and articles that I would read if I were a real pilot. Aviation and piloting an aircraft interests me, so reading about it's not boring or arduous. I share this story to say that the first step is to get the reluctant reader to decide on reading material in regards to a subject that he/she is passionate about. Allow the reluctant reader to self-choose and not be forced, assigned or mandated to see something that he/she is not interested in. Internet search engines have done wonders for being able to read about any topic underneath the sun. Believe it or not, our mindsets have a great deal to do with how we view reading. Why not make reading fun? Enjoyable?MyReadingManga
Secondly, we should prioritize our time to include some time for reading each day. Reluctant readers can begin with maybe ten minutes per day and work their way around thirty and then sixty. Exactly the same way avid television watchers can sit and watch television all night at a time, avid readers read many books all night at a time. If you're an enthusiastic television watcher, would it be possible to trade one of many T.V. hours for reading about something you're passionate about or would like to know more about? Think about the long-term advantages of learning something new or increasing your vocabulary or bolstering your comprehension skills. Reading feeds into lifelong learning.
This is for the teachers and parents who might be scanning this; Never assign reading as a punishment. By assigning reading as a punishment, we are sending the wrong message and signal. We do not want anyone to associate something negative (punishment is negative) with something we would like to see more of, as in this instance, reading.
When the reluctant reader has begun to see reading as something that is enjoyable, he/she should use down times such as for instance waiting for appointments, relaxation after work, etc., on airplanes, trains, and buses as opportunities to get some reading in. Like other things, reading can and must develop into a positive habit.
One final step for the reluctant or non-reader to accomplish is to fairly share what he/she has read either in conversation or instruction. It's stated that the best way to master something is to teach it, and is it possible to imagine how proud a reluctant reader could be of him/herself after having taught somebody else in regards to a subject that he/she read about? Just even as we get excited and tell others about how exactly great a film is, we should also get excited and tell others how great a book or article is. We must generate the exact same kind of excitement that people do for movies, concerts athletic events and other entertainment about books.
Three Obstacles to Reading and How exactly to Overcome Them
Personally, i cannot read extremely fast, but I have seen that after years of reading consistently my reading speed has increased exponentially. Something that helped me to even begin a reading habit was beginning with books that interested me. If you're reading a book simply for reading's sake you will not establish a lifelong reading habit. Start with books that you really enjoy. Another action step is to begin with books which are less than 100 pages. Do not start along with your great grandpa's "Chronicles of World History." You can normally finish a book of 100 pages in just a few days of reading for 20-30 minutes. The thrill of closing a book having completed reading it makes you eager to start another one.
Obstacle Number Two: I Can't Locate a Quiet Spot to Read.
Solution: Be Intentional and Communicate.
Some of you scanning this have multiple children and a small home. I greatly know this obstacle. One method to overcome this is to schedule reading time into your day. Make this a time when you're naturally alert and awake. 30 mins of focused reading time will yield a great deal more profit than three of hours of distracted reading. I see that mornings are the most effective time for me. Make sure to communicate to your family, spouse, roommates etc. when you're going to full cover up away to accomplish some reading. This can stop you from getting frustrated when they come in the area to ask you a question or to talk about the newest Star Wars movie. You might be thinking, "I can't question them to leave me alone for thirty minutes. That's selfish." Trust me, men, our wives do not want ignorant, boring husbands. Just imagine actually having something to talk to your wives about apart from politics and the latest ESPN stats. Our wives won't mind us taking some time for intellectual stimulation. Ladies, take advantage of the occasions of your day when the youngsters are doing homework or having a nap. Another strategy is to create the kids read with you. Some mornings my spouse and I make our boys read a book (or consider the pictures) on their own while we've our reading times. Ask your husband and tell the kids to accomplish the dishes while you slip away to enjoy a couple of minutes of quiet reading.
Obstacle Number Three: I Don't Have Time.
Solution: Understand that Quality Time is More Important than Quantity Time.
Really? You don't have time for you to read. "I don't have time" is one of many greatest cop out phrases of our day when it pertains to commitments. The actual issue is that people have made way too many commitments to the wrong things. The greatest time waster for most of us could be the television. I promise you. Switch off the TV, and you will discover that you've plenty of time that you could utilize to see a book. Start with eliminating only one thirty minute show and focus on a book. You will discover your appetite permanently reading to begin crowding out the appetite for mindless television shows. Oh. An additional thing. Make sure to turn off your cell phone while you read too. May your reading become easier and your appetite permanently books grow stronger as you begin this great lifelong habit.
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