How To Get The Most Out Of Reading: A Guide For Teenagers
05:05:00Hi Guys! Today I'm not writing a book review, instead trying something a little different. I've decided to give you all some advice to making reading as enjoyable as possible! (This is mainly aimed towards teens).
Let's face it. Many teenagers today find reading a waste of time, and incredibly boring (even though I definitely disagree). So, this means that reading novels for school can be something heaps of teens don't look forward to each year.
However, there is a way to make sure you have fun reading the book(s) you need to for school - as well as learning things that may become useful during class.
HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF READING:
1. Obtain the book as soon as you find out what you will need to be reading for school.
There may be some differentiation, but at my school, we are told what books we need to read well before the next school year (about 6 weeks in advance - during the Australian Christmas holidays). I suggest getting the book straightaway. Do NOT leave it until the last minute, because you probably won't be able to read it during that time - putting you a step behind from the beginning.
Note: Buy the book in a form that you enjoy and find easy to read in. Most people feel they get more out of reading books in hard copy (my personal preference), while others prefer ebooks. It is totally up to you.
2. Once you have the book(s), read them as soon as you can.
Obviously I'm not saying you have to read it the minute you buy the novel, however, try and read it as soon as possible - as it leaves time to pace yourself, and take everything in. Depending on the size of the book, and your reading pace, you may even be able to read it twice, to gain further understanding. Also, if you are like me and are given two books to read, reading straightaway gives you enough time to read both.
Note: Find a comfortable place to read in, and adjust the environment to your liking.
e.g. Do you concentrate better in a warm area or a cold one? (adjust temperature)
Do I like absolute silence, or do I prefer a little background noise?
Where and how will I be most comfortable?
3. Devise strategies to understand the book or books better.
Okay you can use these strategies either while your reading or you can go through the book chapter by chapter after you've read it as a whole.
Firstly, work out what type of learner you are! (eg. Visual, kinesthetic, interpersonal etc.)
Here are some tests you can take online (there are HEAPS!):
Then come up with various ways to gain a deeper understanding of the novel.
EXAMPLES: Linguistics/languages learner (like myself): Read specific parts/phrases out loud, explain to someone what happened in different chapters, write down the major themes, and review a characters personality and role in the book, write down as many quotes as you can, create a speech containing key points, themes, quotes and more, then perform it to your friends/family, looking up
Visual Learner: Highlight different parts (colour code sections), create a piece of art depicting a moment in the book (and analyse it), draw mind-maps, use multimediaKinesthetic Learner: Gather some friends/family and do a role-play (act out different scenes to put yourselves in the characters shoes, create memory games and use flash-cards ('Guess the quote', 'Name the chapter', etc.)
For More Examples For Different Learners: Learning Styles, Making Your Learning Style Work For You, Understanding Learning Preferences & more!
4. Finally, don't think of reading the book as a chore, instead do it, thinking about the benefits!
Remember, reading can:
- Exercise brain cells - creating neuron pathways (improving memory)
- Increase your vocabulary
- Act as a way to stop stressing
- Build up your creativity skills, and fires up your imagination
- Help you sleep. If you read a little every night, your body relaxes - helping you sleep (take it from me - it really helps!)
- Improve memory
- Strengthen your ability to analyse and understand text - which will help you a lot in school
Thanks so much for reading this! Please tell me what you think in the comments, and whether or not this advice is helpful at all!
Hope everyone is having a great day, and any Americans, have a happy 4th of July!
xx Tyra
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2 comments
Tyra, I love your post, this week. I hope it will inspire those who especially find reading novels for school burdensome. You are inspirational, keep up the good work. Sincerely, Sharon.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Sharon! I am very appreciative! I too hope that this will inspire others to enjoy reading! From, Tyra
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