"I don't prefer 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 most of us have heard either these lines or something similar when attempting to encourage a reluctant reader to read. Oftentimes we shall hear this from children; however, there's a sizable quantity of adults who express exactly the same sentiments. This might be problematic for all of us as a country because reading is the building blocks for learning. As self-service automation becomes more and more part of our daily lives, the more critical the ability to read and process information quickly becomes. The only method 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 quarter of American adults (24%) say they haven't read a book in whole or in part before year, whether in publications, electronic or audio form. I'm sure we are able to safely make the leap that people who say they haven't read a book before year are people who do not find reading to be their activity of choice.
So, how can convince reluctant or non-readers that it is actually in their finest interest to read more? Just how do we help this segment of the populace understand how critical reading is 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 thing is, everyone has at least one interest and probably will have several. There's no topic that has not been discussing either in a book or article form. Actually, there has not been a much better time in our history when it comes to accessing information. It generally is at our fingertips. For example, I really like aviation and the thought of becoming a pilot and while I haven't obtained my pilot's license yet, I continuously read books, blogs, and articles that I'd read if I were an actual pilot. Aviation and piloting an aircraft interests me, so reading about it is not boring or arduous. I share this story to express that the first faltering step is to obtain 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 read something which he/she is not interested in. Internet search engines have inked wonders for being able to learn about any topic beneath 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 add a while for reading each day. Reluctant readers can start with maybe ten minutes a day and work their way as much as thirty and then sixty. The same way avid television watchers can sit and watch television for hours at any given time, avid readers read many books for hours at a time. If you're a devoted television watcher, would it not be possible to trade among the T.V. hours for reading about something you are passionate about or want to know more about? Look at the long-term great things about 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 scanning this; Never assign reading as a punishment. By assigning reading as a punishment, we're sending the incorrect message and signal. We do not want one to associate something negative (punishment is negative) with something we want to see more of, as in this case, reading.
When the reluctant reader has begun to see reading as something that's enjoyable, he/she should use down times such as for example awaiting 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 do is to generally share what he/she has read either in conversation or instruction. It is stated that the easiest way to learn something is to instruct it, and would you imagine how proud a reluctant reader would be of him/herself after having taught another person in regards to a subject that he/she learn about? Just even as we get excited and tell others about how great a film is, we should also get excited and tell others how great a book or article is. We must generate exactly the same form of excitement that we do for movies, concerts athletic events and other entertainment about books.
Three Obstacles to Reading and Just how to Overcome Them
I know cannot read fast, but I have noticed that if years of reading consistently my reading speed has increased exponentially. A very important factor that helped me to even begin a reading habit was starting with books that interested me. If you're reading a book simply for reading's sake you won't begin a lifelong reading habit. Focus on books that you actually enjoy. Another action step is to start with books which are less than 100 pages. Do not start together with your great grandpa's "Chronicles of World History." You are able to normally finish a book of 100 pages in only a few days of reading for 20-30 minutes. The thrill of closing a book having completed reading it allows you to eager to begin another one.
Obstacle Number Two: I Can't Find a Quiet Destination for a Read.
Solution: Be Intentional and Communicate.
A few of you scanning this have multiple children and a small home. I very much know this obstacle. One method to overcome this really is to schedule reading time into your day. Get this a period if you are naturally alert and awake. 30 mins of focused reading time will yield a lot more profit than three of hours of distracted reading. I discover that mornings are the best time for me. Be sure to communicate to your household, spouse, roommates etc. if you are going to full cover up away to do some reading. This will keep you from getting frustrated once they can be found in the room to ask you a question or to talk about the newest Star Wars movie. You might be thinking, "I can't inquire further 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 newest ESPN stats. Our wives won't mind us taking a while for intellectual stimulation. Ladies, make the most of the occasions of the afternoon when the children are doing homework or having 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 consider the pictures) on their own while we have our reading times. Ask your husband and tell your kids to do the dishes when you slip away to enjoy a few momemts 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 among the 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 incorrect things. The greatest time waster for many of us is the television. I promise you. Turn fully off the TV, and you may find that you've plenty of time that you could utilize to read a book. Focus on cutting out just one thirty minute show and concentrate 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. Be sure to turn off your cell phone when 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.
