"I don't prefer 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 is a sizable number of adults who express exactly the same sentiments. This might be problematic for people as a country because reading is the building blocks for learning. As self-service automation becomes more and more a part of our daily lives, the more critical the capacity to read and process information quickly becomes. The only way to construct our reading and comprehension skills is through the practice of reading and for the reluctant or non-readers, they're not getting this practice.
A study conducted by the Pew Research Center in March of 2018 titled Who Doesn't Read Books in America found that about a fraction of American adults (24%) say they haven't read a book entirely or in part before 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 before year are those who do not find reading to be their activity of choice.
So, just how do convince reluctant or non-readers that it truly is in their best interest to see more? How do we help this segment of the population know the way critical reading is always to everything we do today? How do we encourage those who would rather watch paint dry than reading, get a book and read it?
What's promising is, everyone has at least one interest and probably will have several. There is no topic that's not been written about either in a book or article form. In reality, there's not been a better amount of time in our history with regards to accessing information. It generally is at our fingertips. Like, 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 obtain the reluctant reader to select reading material in regards to a subject that he or she is passionate about. Allow the reluctant reader to self-choose and not be forced, assigned or mandated to see a thing that he or she isn't interested in. Internet search engines have inked 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 exactly how we view reading. Why not make reading fun? Enjoyable?MyReadingManga
Secondly, we should prioritize our time to include a while for reading each day. Reluctant readers can begin with maybe ten minutes per day and work their way as much as thirty and then sixty. The exact 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're an avid television watcher, would it not be possible to trade one of the 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 is for the teachers and parents who may be looking over this; Never assign reading as a punishment. By assigning reading as a punishment, we're sending the incorrect message and signal. We do not need anyone to associate something negative (punishment is negative) with something we wish to see more of, as in cases like this, reading.
When the reluctant reader has begun to see reading as something that's enjoyable, he or she should use down times such as for example looking forward to appointments, relaxation after work, etc., on airplanes, trains, and buses as opportunities to obtain some reading in. Like other things, reading can and must become a positive habit.
One final step for the reluctant or non-reader to accomplish is to share what he or she has read either in conversation or instruction. It is said that the simplest way to learn something is to show it, and can you imagine how proud a reluctant reader will be of him/herself after having taught another person in regards to a subject that he or she read about? Just once we get excited and tell others about how exactly great a video is, we should also get excited and tell others how great a book or article is. We should generate exactly the same kind of excitement that we do for movies, concerts athletic events and other entertainment about books.
Three Obstacles to Reading and How to Overcome Them
I know cannot read very quickly, but I have noticed that after years of reading consistently my reading speed has increased exponentially. Something that helped me to even begin a reading habit was starting with books that interested me. If you're reading a book just for reading's sake you won't establish a lifelong reading habit. Begin with books that you actually enjoy. Another action step is in the first place books which can be less than 100 pages. Don't start together 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 allows you to eager to start another one.
Obstacle Number Two: I Can't Look for a Quiet Destination for a Read.
Solution: Be Intentional and Communicate.
A number of you looking over this have multiple children and a tiny home. I greatly know this obstacle. One way to overcome this really is to schedule reading time into your day. Get this to 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 discover that mornings are the very best time for me. Make sure to communicate to your household, spouse, roommates etc. if you are going to full cover up away to accomplish some reading. This may keep you from getting frustrated once they can be found in the space to ask you a question or to discuss the brand new Star Wars movie. You may be thinking, "I can't inquire further to leave me alone for thirty minutes. That's selfish." Trust me, men, our wives do not need ignorant, boring husbands. Just imagine actually having something to talk to our wives about besides politics and the most recent ESPN stats. Our wives won't mind us taking a while for intellectual stimulation. Ladies, take advantage of the times of the day when the youngsters are doing homework or going for a nap. Another strategy is to produce your kids read with you. Some mornings my partner 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 your kids to accomplish the dishes when you slip away to enjoy a few 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 and energy to read. "I don't have time" is one of the greatest cop out phrases of our day when it relates to commitments. The true issue is that we have made way too many commitments to the incorrect things. The largest time waster for most of us is the television. I promise you. Switch off the TV, and you will find that you have lots of time that you could use to see a book. Begin with reducing only one thirty minute show and concentrate on a book. You will find your appetite for good reading to begin crowding out the appetite for mindless television shows. Oh. One more thing. Make sure to turn off your cell 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.