Read Read READ

A blog dedicated to improving reading ability MUST have an entry dedicated to the need to read.  You don't get better at something merely by doing the bare minimum.  Those that are great spend substantial time working at being the best.   Reading works the same way.

I tend to refer to a sports analogy.  If you want to become a better basketball player, you practice.  Sports teams practice 3-5 times a week for at least an hour at a time.  Students that play an instrument are required to practice daily.  If a young person wants to improve at a sport or talent, it is a given that they must practice.  We assume that those that are great at something practice it, even if they do have natural talent.

Reading is not any different.  If you want to become a better reader, you have to read.  I mean actually read- not just stare at the book or skim through without really paying attention to what you are reading.  Interact with what you are reading.  Make predictions, ask yourself questions, figure out what that word you don't know actually means.  Really practice those good reading strategies (which is another day's post!).

To become a seasoned reader, you have to read a variety of things.  If you only practice your spike in volleyball, you are likely only going to be good at spiking.  And since you aren't always able to spike, that's not going to be good enough.  That's why coaches have you practice all areas of a sport.  And that's why teachers have you read a variety of styles and formats.  Nonfiction reads differently than fiction.  You need different strategies to read a graphic novel than you do to read the newspaper.   All of these areas are important.  

Finally, you have to make sure that what you are reading is a good fit for you.  A student first learning to play the flute isn't going to have much fun being tossed into symphony and being expected to play along when they don't even know how to read the music.  The same is true with books.  A good teacher can help you work with materials higher than your current level and some good strategies will definitely help you compensate, but you aren't going to get far by yourself.  Of course, the reverse is true as well.  You aren't going to get better by reading something that is too easy.  Michael Jordan (I know, pretty dated example) wouldn't expect to improve his playing by practicing with 5th graders.  You aren't going to be a better reader by reading a simple book just because it's quick.  It's all about finding a book that is interesting and just challenging enough.

Then, READ IT!!!Why you should read