Small Steps To Big Reading

1. Reading is a skill that can be improved with practice and technique

Small steps to big reading – converting non-readers into readers.

Reading is learnable. Contrary to popular belief, there's no such thing as a "natural" reading speed. Like any other skill, reading can be learned, honed, and improved upon with regular practice. Many people get stuck in their current reading habits, believing they can't change. However, with the right techniques and consistent effort, anyone can enhance their reading abilities.

Benefits of improved reading:

• Increased knowledge acquisition
• Better academic and professional performance
• Enhanced critical thinking skills
• Improved vocabulary and language skills
• Greater enjoyment of literature

By approaching reading as a skill to be developed, rather than a fixed ability, readers can open themselves up to significant improvements in both speed and comprehension.

2. Overcome mental barriers and false notions about reading

Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right.

Challenge your assumptions. Many people hold false beliefs about reading that limit their potential for improvement. These misconceptions often stem from early experiences or societal assumptions about what constitutes "good" reading. By identifying and challenging these beliefs, readers can open themselves up to new possibilities.

Common misconceptions to overcome:

• Reading slowly leads to better comprehension
• Subvocalization (saying words in your head) is necessary
• You must read every word to understand the content
• Your reading speed is fixed and unchangeable
• Comprehension suffers when reading faster

By letting go of these limiting beliefs and embracing a growth mindset, readers can begin to explore techniques that truly enhance their reading experience and efficiency.

3. Preview before reading to enhance comprehension and efficiency

Previewing opens a window into the matter—allowing the reader to discover something of importance or interest which may help avert a delay in starting to read the subject because of any previous resistance.

Scan before diving in. Previewing a text before reading it in detail can significantly improve comprehension and reading efficiency. This technique involves quickly scanning the material to get an overview of its structure and content, allowing your brain to create a framework for the information you're about to consume.

Steps for effective previewing:

1. Look at the cover, back cover, and table of contents
2. Skim headings, subheadings, and emphasized text
3. Glance at illustrations, charts, and captions
4. Read the introduction and conclusion
5. Formulate questions you expect the text to answer

By previewing, you prime your brain for the information to come, making it easier to understand and retain the material when you begin reading in earnest.

4. Minimize subvocalization to increase reading speed

The best way to overcome sub-vocalising though, is to simply read so fast that your lips and tongue can no more keep pace with your reading speed.

Silent your inner voice. Subvocalization, the habit of saying words in your head as you read, significantly slows down reading speed. While it's a useful technique for beginning readers, it becomes a limiting factor as reading skills advance. By reducing subvocalization, readers can dramatically increase their reading speed without sacrificing comprehension.

Techniques to reduce subvocalization:

• Practice reading faster than you can "speak" the words
• Use a finger or guide to move quickly across lines of text
• Focus on groups of words rather than individual words
• Engage in speed drills to push your reading pace

Remember that completely eliminating subvocalization is neither possible nor desirable. The goal is to minimize it to the point where it no longer limits your reading speed.

5. Use tools like launchers and longitudes to guide your eyes

The launcher derives its name from the launcher-rockets that are mostly used to propel a satellite out into space, away from the earth's gravitational pull.

Guide your gaze. Physical tools can be surprisingly effective in improving reading speed and focus. Launchers and longitudes are two such tools that help guide the eyes across the page more efficiently, reducing distractions and preventing regression (re-reading).

How to use these tools:

• Launcher: Use a blank card or your finger to move down the page, covering text you've already read
• Longitudes: Create a transparent overlay with vertical lines to divide the text into columns, guiding your eyes to take in multiple words at once

These tools train your eyes to move more efficiently across the page and help you break the habit of subvocalization. With practice, you'll internalize these patterns and be able to read more quickly without physical aids.

6. Build vocabulary to boost reading confidence and speed

Words are symbols for ideas. These ideas formulate knowledge and knowledge is gained mostly through words.

Expand your word bank. A robust vocabulary is crucial for efficient reading. The more words you know, the less time you'll spend decoding unfamiliar terms, allowing you to focus on comprehension and overall meaning. Building vocabulary is an ongoing process that pays dividends in reading speed, comprehension, and confidence.

Strategies for vocabulary building:

• Keep a personal dictionary of new words
• Use context clues to guess meanings before looking them up
• Study word roots, prefixes, and suffixes
• Read widely across various subjects and genres
• Use vocabulary-building apps or games

Remember, the goal isn't just to memorize definitions, but to understand how words are used in context. This deeper understanding will significantly enhance your reading experience.

7. Believe in your ability to comprehend and retain information

Your level of stress is definitely lower than what it would have been, had the matter to be read been unfamiliar to you.

Trust your brain. Many readers underestimate their ability to comprehend and retain information, especially when reading at higher speeds. This lack of confidence can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, leading to unnecessary re-reading and slower overall progress. By believing in your ability to understand and remember what you read, you can unlock your true reading potential.

Building reading confidence:

• Acknowledge your existing knowledge and experience
• Practice positive self-talk before and during reading
• Focus on the main ideas rather than every detail
• Trust your brain's ability to fill in gaps and make connections
• Celebrate your reading achievements, no matter how small

Remember that comprehension often improves with increased reading speed, as your brain stays more engaged and has less time for distractions.

8. Adapt your reading speed to different types of material

Reading will be best with a flexibility in your speed and a variability depending on the matter you are tackling.

Flex your speed. Not all reading material is created equal, and your reading speed should reflect that. Adapting your pace to the complexity and familiarity of the content allows for optimal comprehension and efficiency. Developing this flexibility is a key skill for advanced readers.

Factors influencing reading speed:

• Familiarity with the subject matter
• Complexity of vocabulary and concepts
• Purpose of reading (leisure, study, research)
• Text structure (narrative, technical, poetic)
• Physical format (print, digital, font size)

Practice varying your speed within a single text, slowing down for crucial or difficult sections and speeding up for familiar or less important passages. This dynamic approach ensures you're always reading at the most appropriate pace for the material at hand.

9. Create an optimal reading environment for focus and comfort

Adequate light is required for reading properly. The best light source is a natural one, preferably sunlight.

Set the stage for success. Your reading environment plays a crucial role in your ability to focus and maintain comfort during extended reading sessions. By optimizing your physical space, you can minimize distractions and maximize your reading efficiency.

Elements of an ideal reading environment:

• Proper lighting (natural light or adjustable lamps)
• Comfortable, supportive seating
• Appropriate temperature and ventilation
• Minimal noise and visual distractions
• Easy access to necessary materials (books, notes, water)
• Ergonomic considerations (eye-to-text distance, posture)

Experiment with different setups to find what works best for you. Remember that your ideal reading environment may vary depending on the type of material you're reading and your personal preferences.

10. Regular practice is key to mastering enhanced reading skills

Practice is what converts an otherwise ordinary learner into an authoritative genius.

Consistency is crucial. Like any skill, improved reading abilities require regular practice to maintain and enhance. Consistent application of the techniques learned will help solidify them into habits, making enhanced reading a natural and effortless process over time.

Strategies for effective practice:

• Set aside dedicated reading time each day
• Challenge yourself with increasingly complex material
• Track your progress (speed, comprehension, volume)
• Apply new techniques to various types of reading
• Join a reading group or find an accountability partner

Remember that progress may not always be linear. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small improvements along the way. With persistent practice, you'll develop a lifelong skill that enhances both your personal and professional life.

Last updated: August 1, 2024