"I don't want to read." "Reading is boring." Reading is old school." "Reading takes too much 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 shall hear this from children; however, there's a large number of adults who express the same sentiments. This could be problematic for us as a country because reading is the inspiration 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 way to create 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 in part in the past year, whether in publications, electronic or audio form. I'm sure we can safely make the leap that people who say they haven't read a book in the past year are people who don't find reading to be their activity of choice.
So, just how do convince reluctant or non-readers that it truly is in their finest interest to learn more? Just how do we help this segment of the population understand how critical reading would be to everything we do today? Just how do we encourage people who prefer to watch paint dry than reading, pick up a book and read it?
The good news is, everybody has one or more interest and is likely to have several. There is no topic that has not been written about either in a book or article form. Actually, there's not been an improved time in our history when it comes to accessing information. It generally is at our fingertips. As an example, I enjoy aviation and the idea of learning to be a pilot and while I haven't obtained my pilot's license yet, I continuously read books, blogs, and articles that I would read if I were a genuine 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 faltering step is to get the reluctant reader to decide on reading material in regards to a subject that he/she is passionate about. Enable the reluctant reader to self-choose and not be forced, assigned or mandated to learn something that he/she is not interested in. Internet search engines did wonders for to be able to read about any topic under the sun. Believe it or not, our mindsets have a great deal to do with how exactly we view reading. You will want to make reading fun? Enjoyable?MyReadingManga
Secondly, we should prioritize our time to include some time for reading each day. Reluctant readers may start with maybe ten minutes each day and work their way around thirty and then sixty. Exactly the same way avid television watchers can sit and watch television all day at any given time, avid readers read many books all day at a time. If you should be a devoted television watcher, will 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.
This really is for the teachers and parents who might be scanning this; Never assign reading as a punishment. By assigning reading as a punishment, we're sending the wrong message and signal. We do not want anyone to associate something negative (punishment is negative) with something we wish to see more of, as in this instance, reading.
Once the reluctant reader has begun to see reading as something that's enjoyable, he/she should use down times such as for example waiting for appointments, relaxation after work, etc., on airplanes, trains, and buses as opportunities to get some reading in. Like whatever else, reading can and must develop into a positive habit.
One final step for the reluctant or non-reader to accomplish is to share what he/she has read either in conversation or instruction. It is said that the simplest way to understand something is to show it, and are you able to imagine how proud a reluctant reader would 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 precisely great a video is, we should also get excited and tell others how great a book or article is. We should generate the 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
I personally cannot read fast, but I have noticed that if years of reading consistently my reading speed has increased exponentially. One thing that helped me to even begin a reading habit was starting with books that interested me. If you should be reading a book simply for reading's sake you won't set up a lifelong reading habit. Begin with books that you actually enjoy. Another action step is to start with books which are less than 100 pages. Don't start along with your great grandpa's "Chronicles of World History." You are able to normally finish a book of 100 pages in just several days of reading for 20-30 minutes. The thrill of closing a book having completed reading it enables 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 scanning this have multiple children and a small home. I quite definitely know this obstacle. One way to overcome this really is to schedule reading time into your day. Get this a time if you are naturally alert and awake. Thirty minutes of focused reading time will yield a whole lot more profit than three of hours of distracted reading. I find that mornings are the very best time for me. Be sure to communicate to your loved ones, spouse, roommates etc. if you are going to full cover up away to accomplish some reading. This will keep you from getting frustrated when they come in the space to ask you a question or to discuss the new Star Wars movie. You might be 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 other than politics and the newest ESPN stats. Our wives won't mind us taking some time for intellectual stimulation. Ladies, make the most of the occasions of the day when the youngsters are doing homework or taking a nap. Another strategy is to make your kids read with you. Some mornings my spouse and I make our boys read a book (or look at the pictures) on their own while we've our reading times. Ask your husband and tell your kids to accomplish the dishes when you slip away to savor a few 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 to read. "I don't have time" is one of many greatest cop out phrases of our day when it relates to commitments. The real issue is that people have made a lot of commitments to the wrong things. The largest time waster for all of us could be the television. I promise you. Turn fully off the TV, and you will discover that you've a lot of time that you could use to learn a book. Begin with eliminating just one thirty minute show and focus on a book. You will discover your appetite for good reading to start crowding out the appetite for mindless television shows. Oh. One more thing. Be sure to turn fully off your mobile phone when you read too. May your reading become easier and your appetite for good books grow stronger as you begin this great lifelong habit.
