"I don't like to read." "Reading is boring." Reading is old school." "Reading takes a lot of time." "I'd rather watch the movie." I'm sure many of us have heard either these lines or something similar when wanting to encourage a reluctant reader to read. Oftentimes we will hear this from children; however, there's a large quantity of adults who express the same sentiments. This might be problematic for us as a country because reading is the foundation for learning. As self-service automation becomes more and more a part of our daily lives, the more critical the capability to read and process information quickly becomes. The only path to build our reading and comprehension skills is through the practice of reading and for our 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 fraction of American adults (24%) say they haven't read a book entirely or simply in the past year, whether in print, electronic or audio form. I'm sure we could safely make the leap that those who say they haven't read a book in the past year are those who don't find reading to be their activity of choice.
So, how can convince reluctant or non-readers that it truly is in their best interest to read more? How do we help this segment of the population understand how critical reading would be to everything we do today? How do we encourage those who would prefer to watch paint dry than reading, get a book and read it?
What's promising is, everybody has a minumum of one interest and will probably have several. There's no topic that's not been written about either in a book or article form. Actually, there's not been a much better time in our history in terms of accessing information. It generally is at our fingertips. For example, I really like aviation and the idea of being a pilot and while I have not obtained my pilot's license yet, I continuously read books, blogs, and articles that I'd 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 obtain the reluctant reader to choose reading material in regards to a subject that she or he is passionate about. Permit the reluctant reader to self-choose and not be forced, assigned or mandated to read a thing that she or he is not interested in. Internet search engines did wonders for to be able to find out about any topic beneath the sun. Believe it or not, our mindsets have a lot to do with exactly how we view reading. You will want to make reading fun? Enjoyable?MyReadingManga
Secondly, we must prioritize our time to include sometime for reading each day. Reluctant readers can begin with maybe ten minutes a day and work their way up to thirty and then sixty. The same way avid television watchers can sit and watch television all night at any given time, avid readers read many books all night at a time. If you are a devoted television watcher, wouldn't it be possible to trade one of many T.V. hours for reading about something you are passionate about or wish to know more about? Take into account the long-term advantages of learning something new or increasing your vocabulary or bolstering your comprehension skills. Reading feeds into lifelong learning.
That is for the teachers and parents who might be reading 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 one to associate something negative (punishment is negative) with something we wish to see more of, as in this case, reading.
When the reluctant reader has begun to see reading as something that is enjoyable, she or he should use down times such as for example waiting for appointments, relaxation after work, etc., on airplanes, trains, and buses as opportunities to obtain some reading in. Like anything else, reading can and must become a positive habit.
One final step for the reluctant or non-reader to complete is to fairly share what she or he has read either in conversation or instruction. It is stated that the best way to learn something is to teach it, and would you imagine how proud a reluctant reader will be of him/herself after having taught another person in regards to a subject that she or he find out about? Just even as we get excited and tell others about how exactly great a film is, we must also get excited and tell others how great a book or article is. We should generate the same type of excitement that we do for movies, concerts athletic events and other entertainment about books.
Three Obstacles to Reading and How exactly to Overcome Them
I know cannot read extremely fast, but I have noticed that after years of reading consistently my reading speed has increased exponentially. One thing that helped me to even begin a reading habit was beginning with books that interested me. If you are reading a book just for reading's sake you will not establish a lifelong reading habit. Focus on books that you really enjoy. Another action step is in the first place books which are less than 100 pages. Don't start with your great grandpa's "Chronicles of World History." You are able to normally finish a book of 100 pages in just a couple of days of reading for 20-30 minutes. The thrill of closing a book having completed reading it allows you to eager to start another one.
Obstacle Number Two: I Can't Find a Quiet Place to Read.
Solution: Be Intentional and Communicate.
Some of you reading this have multiple children and a tiny home. I quite definitely know this obstacle. One method to overcome that is to schedule reading time into your day. Make this a time if you are naturally alert and awake. Half an hour of focused reading time will yield a lot more profit than three of hours of distracted reading. I realize that mornings are the most effective time for me. Make sure you communicate to your household, spouse, roommates etc. if you are going to cover away to complete some reading. This will stop you from getting frustrated when they come in the room to ask you a concern or to talk about the new Star Wars movie. Maybe you are thinking, "I can't ask them to leave me alone for thirty minutes. That's selfish." Believe 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 sometime for intellectual stimulation. Ladies, make the most of the changing times of the day when the children are doing homework or having a nap. Another strategy is to make the kids read with you. Some mornings my wife and I make our boys read a book (or go through the pictures) by themselves while we've our reading times. Ask your husband and tell the kids to complete the dishes as you slip away to savor a couple of minutes of quiet reading.
Obstacle Number Three: I Don't Have Time.
Solution: Remember 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 relates to commitments. The actual issue is that we have made way too many commitments to the wrong things. The greatest time waster for all of us could be the television. I promise you. Switch off the TV, and you may find that you've plenty of time that you could use to read a book. Focus on cutting out just one thirty minute show and focus on a book. You may find your appetite once and for all reading to start crowding out the appetite for mindless television shows. Oh. One more thing. Make sure you switch off your mobile phone as you read too. May your reading become easier and your appetite once and for all books grow stronger as you begin this great lifelong habit.
