"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 most 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 big quantity of adults who express exactly the same sentiments. This might be problematic for people as a country because reading is the inspiration for learning. As self-service automation becomes more and more an integral part of our daily lives, the more critical the ability to read and process information quickly becomes. The only path to construct our reading and comprehension skills is through the practice of reading and for the 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 unearthed that about a fraction of American adults (24%) say they haven't read a book in whole or in part in the past 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 in the past year are people who do not find reading to be their activity of choice.
So, how can convince reluctant or non-readers that it really is in their finest interest to learn more? How do we help this segment of the populace understand how critical reading would be to everything we do today? 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 at least one interest and probably will have several. There is no topic that has not been written about either in a book or article form. Actually, there's not been a better amount of time in our history in terms of accessing information. It is literally at our fingertips. For example, I enjoy aviation and the very 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 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 step is to get the reluctant reader to choose reading material of 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 have done 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 we view reading. You will want to make reading fun? Enjoyable?MyReadingManga
Secondly, we must prioritize our time to incorporate time for reading each day. Reluctant readers can start with maybe ten minutes each day and work their way up to thirty and then sixty. The exact same way avid television watchers can sit and watch television all night at a time, avid readers read many books all night at a time. If you are an avid television watcher, would it be possible to trade one of the T.V. hours for reading about something you're passionate about or would like to know more about? Take into account the long-term great things about 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 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 this instance, reading.
Once the reluctant reader has begun to see reading as something that is enjoyable, he or she should use down times such as awaiting appointments, relaxation after work, etc., on airplanes, trains, and buses as opportunities to get some reading in. Like whatever else, reading can and must become a positive habit.
One final step for the reluctant or non-reader to complete is to share what he or she has read either in conversation or instruction. It is said that the easiest way to understand something is to show it, and is it possible to imagine how proud a reluctant reader will be of him/herself after having taught somebody else of a subject that he or she read about? Just even as we get excited and tell others about how great a video is, we must also get excited and tell others how great a book or article is. We must generate exactly the same form of excitement that people do for movies, concerts athletic events and other entertainment about books.
Three Obstacles to Reading and How to Overcome Them
I personally cannot read extremely fast, but I have noticed that if years of reading consistently my reading speed has increased exponentially. Something that helped me to even begin a reading habit was beginning with books that interested me. If you are reading a book simply for reading's sake you won't establish a lifelong reading habit. Focus on books that you really enjoy. Another action step is in the first place books which can be significantly 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 only several days of reading for 20-30 minutes. The thrill of closing a book having completed reading it makes you eager to start another one.
Obstacle Number Two: I Can't Find a Quiet Spot to Read.
Solution: Be Intentional and Communicate.
A few of you scanning this have multiple children and a small home. I greatly know this obstacle. One way to overcome this is to schedule reading time into your day. Get this to a period when 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 most effective time for me. Make sure to communicate to your family, spouse, roommates etc. when you are going to hide away to complete some reading. This can stop you from getting frustrated once they come in the space to ask you a question or to go over the brand new Star Wars movie. You may well 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 latest ESPN stats. Our wives won't mind us taking time for intellectual stimulation. Ladies, take advantage of the changing times of your day when the children are doing homework or taking a nap. Another strategy is to make your 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 your 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 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 actual issue is that people have made a lot of commitments to the wrong things. The greatest time waster for all of us is the television. I promise you. Turn fully off the TV, and you may find that you've plenty of time that make use of to learn a book. Focus on eliminating just one thirty minute show and concentrate on a book. You may find your appetite once and for all reading to begin crowding out the appetite for mindless television shows. Oh. One more thing. Make sure to turn off your cell 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.
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