Find an adult literacy program. Contact your local school district or public library to see if they offer literacy programs. If they don’t, ProLiteracy. org, a worldwide adult literacy organization has a directory of literacy programs throughout the United States. [1] X Research source Find a literary style you enjoy reading. You don’t need to read long novels or thick textbooks. You can read poetry, short stories, graphic novels, or any written format. Listen to audio books. Want to enjoy a book but don’t have the time? Listen to it on audio![2] X Expert Source Alexander Ruiz, M. Ed. Educational Consultant Expert Interview. 18 June 2020. Studies show listening to audio books has benefits that reading does not provide, like the ability to multitask while listening to a book. [3] X Research source
Set aside time for reading. Pick a book that interests you and read for a set amount of time. It can be as short or as long a time as you want.
Divide your reading into manageable sections. When reading a textbook in particular, there are some steps that can help:[4] X Research source Read from the end to the beginning. If have to read a textbook, skip to the questions at the end of the chapter. Then go back to the beginning and find the answers to the questions. Find the main ideas. Look at the headings and subsections to get an overview of the chapter. This will make it easier to get through the mountain of information. Take notes. Not only will this help you remember what you are reading, it will give you something to refer to after you have finished the assignment.
Check out the cover. If the title or artwork looks interesting, check the inside for information such as a content summary, review excerpts, and information about the author. Find book summaries online. There are many websites providing summaries of books you may be interested in reading. The Power Moves and Softonics. com are two sites reviewing the best summary websites.
It gives you an incentive to finish. Having a deadline may give you the push you need to finish the book. It can decrease stress. You can express your opinions freely to a group with common interests. It can improve your writing skills. Reading and discussing the writing styles of different authors can provide ideas you may want to incorporate in your own writing.
Read with an e-reader. When you have time to read but don’t want to carry a book around, e-readers like Kindle or Nook can be a virtual library of reading material. Depending on the available features, e-readers cost between $75 and $250. Online review sites like PCMag. com and Cnet. com can help you find the best e-reader for your use. Read a traditional print book. Despite the conveniences of an e-book, print books do have some advantages. Books provide a multi-sensory experience that e-readers don’t. Studies have shown that people retain more when reading in print due to having more than one sense involved. [7] X Research source It is easier to keep your place in a print book. Many e-books do not have a way to get back to a previously viewed page.
Many libraries have access to free audiobooks, too. [9] X Expert Source Alexander Ruiz, M. Ed. Educational Consultant Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
Increased longevity. According to a 2016 study, reading 3. 5 hours or more resulted in a 20% increase in life expectancy as compared to non-readers. [11] X Research source Reduced stress. Reading has been shown to be effective at reducing stress levels along with such healthful activities as listening to music, drinking tea or coffee, or walking[12] X Research source . Improved relaxation and sleep. The relaxation that comes with reading makes it a perfect way to get ready for sleep. Experts recommend reading a print book rather than an e-book, and the subject matter should be conducive to relaxation. [13] X Research source Improved memory. Studies have shown that people who read experience a slower decline in memory later in life than non-readers. [14] X Research source Reading is a mental work-out. Reading a book encourages “deep thinking,” or thinking critically and making connections to each page as well as the outside word. This results in the brain creating neural networks that can promote quicker thinking and improved cognitive skills.
