"I don't like 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 attempting to encourage a reluctant reader to read. Oftentimes we will hear this from children; however, there's a large number of adults who express the exact same sentiments. This may 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 ability 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 discovered that about a fraction of American adults (24%) say they haven't read a book in whole or partly previously 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 previously 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 really is in their utmost interest to learn more? How do we help this segment of the population know how critical reading is always to everything we do today? How do we encourage people who would rather watch paint dry than reading, grab a book and read it?
The good news is, everybody has a minumum of one interest and is likely to have several. There's no topic that has not been discussed either in a book or article form. In fact, there has not been a better time in our history with regards to accessing information. It generally is at our fingertips. Like, I really like aviation and the thought of being 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 a genuine pilot. Aviation and piloting an aircraft interests me, so reading about it's not boring or arduous. I share this story to express that the first step is to have the reluctant reader to decide on reading material about a subject that he or she is passionate about. Allow the reluctant reader to self-choose and not be forced, assigned or mandated to learn something that he or she is not interested in. Internet search engines did wonders for being able to learn about any topic underneath the sun. Believe it or not, our mindsets have a great deal to do with how we view reading. You will want to make reading fun? Enjoyable?MyReadingManga
Secondly, we ought to prioritize our time to include time for reading each day. Reluctant readers can begin with maybe ten minutes a day and work their way around thirty and then sixty. The exact same way avid television watchers can sit and watch television all day at a time, avid readers read many books all day at a time. If you are a devoted 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? 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 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 cases like this, reading.
After the reluctant reader has begun to see reading as something that's enjoyable, he or she should use down times such as for instance awaiting appointments, relaxation after work, etc., on airplanes, trains, and buses as opportunities to have 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 complete is to talk about what he or she has read either in conversation or instruction. It's stated that the simplest way to master something is to instruct it, and can you imagine how proud a reluctant reader would be of him/herself after having taught another person about a subject that he or she learn about? Just as we get excited and tell others about how precisely great a video is, we ought to also get excited and tell others how great a book or article is. We ought to 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 Just how 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 only for reading's sake you won't begin a lifelong reading habit. Begin with books that you really enjoy. Another action step is to start with books that 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 several days of reading for 20-30 minutes. The thrill of closing a book having completed reading it enables you to eager to begin another one.
Obstacle Number Two: I Can't Locate a Quiet Destination for a Read.
Solution: Be Intentional and Communicate.
A number of you scanning this have multiple children and a small home. I very much know this obstacle. One method to overcome this is to schedule reading time into your day. Make this an occasion when you're naturally alert and awake. Thirty minutes of focused reading time will yield a lot more profit than three of hours of distracted reading. I see that mornings are the most effective time for me. Be sure to communicate to your family, spouse, roommates etc. when you're going to cover up away to complete some reading. This will keep you from getting frustrated if they come in the area to ask you a concern or to discuss the new Star Wars movie. Maybe you are thinking, "I can't ask them to leave me alone for thirty minutes. That's selfish." Trust in me, men, our wives do not want ignorant, boring husbands. Just imagine actually having something to talk to the wives about besides politics and the most recent ESPN stats. Our wives won't mind us taking time for intellectual stimulation. Ladies, make the most of the days of your day when the children are doing homework or having a nap. Another strategy is to make the kids read with you. Some mornings my spouse and I make our boys read a book (or consider the pictures) by themselves while we have our reading times. Ask your husband and tell the kids to complete the dishes when you slip away to take pleasure from a few momemts 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 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 biggest time waster for all of us could be the television. I promise you. Switch off the TV, and you will discover that you've a lot of time that you could use to learn a book. Begin with reducing just 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. Yet another thing. Be sure to turn off your cellular phone when you read too. May your reading become easier and your appetite permanently books grow stronger as you begin this great lifelong habit.
