Reading is a very basic skill that is necessary for academic and personal success. But for some individuals, reading can be a huge challenge due to various reasons such as dyslexia, English as a second language (ESL), or other learning difficulties.
If you or someone you know is facing difficulties with reading, note that you are not alone. With the right strategies and support, it is possible to overcome these challenges and improve reading skills. Here are some tips for dyslexic, ESL, and struggling readers to help them become more confident and proficient in reading.
Create Mnemonics
One effective strategy for improving reading comprehension is to create mnemonics. Mnemonics are memory aids that essentially help you remember information more easily by associating it with something familiar or easier to recall. For example, if you’re trying to remember the order of the planets in our solar system, you could create a mnemonic sentence using the first letter of each planet’s name. “My Very Educated Mom Just Served Us Noodles” represents all the planets in our galaxy. By creating personalized mnemonics tailored to your learning style and preferences, you can enhance your ability to retain and recall information while reading.
Engage Multiple Senses
Instead of just relying on your eyes to read, try incorporating other senses like touch and hearing. One way to engage multiple senses while reading is by using audiobooks. Listening to the text you read aloud can help reinforce comprehension and retention.
Another method is to use color-coded highlighters or sticky notes while reading. And if you’re a tactile learner, consider using textured markers or pens that add a physical element to the act of reading. Running your fingers over raised ink or embossed words can create a more interactive experience.
Break Down Large Blocks of Text
Tackling a dense paragraph can feel overwhelming for many readers, especially those with dyslexia or ESL learners. Chunking large blocks of text into smaller ones can make the reading experience more manageable and less intimidating. One effective strategy is to skim through the text first to get an overview of the main ideas. Then, go back and focus on one section at a time. By doing so, you can digest the information more easily.
Apply the SQ3R Method
It’s not really a fancy word since it just stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review. But the impact can really be fancy. Let me explain how to do it.
- Skim through the text to get an overview of what you’re about to read.
- Next, generate questions based on the headings and subheadings. This activates your curiosity and primes your brain to look for answers while reading.
- Then, dive into the text actively by reading with purpose. Take notes or highlight key points as you go along.
- After each section, pause and recite what you’ve just learned in your own words. This reinforces understanding and memory.
- Review your notes or highlights once you’ve finished the whole text. This helps cement important information in your mind for future reference.
Test Your Reading Quality and Speed With a Reading Calculator
To track your progress effectively, try using a words per minute reading calculator to measure your reading efficiency accurately. This tool calculates your reading speed, comprehension level, and time spent reading. All you’ve got to do is sign in, choose a text, and start reading. The tool will then generate a report that shows your reading speed, comprehension level, and time spent reading. You can use this information to monitor your progress and identify areas for improvement.
All in all, 2024 is the perfect year to take your reading skills to the next level. Whether you’re a casual reader or a student, these tips will help you become a better, more efficient reader.
