How to Improve Reading Skills

Introduction

Reading is necessary for most activities. It is essential to living a productive life professionally, socially and academically. If you're an adult, middle school student, or parent teaching your child, there are a lot of resources available to help improve your reading techniques. Whether it's Shakespeare or a newspaper with your morning coffee, you can improve this rewarding skill--reading.

Improve Reading Skills for Young Children Through Adolescence

Things You'll Need

• Books
• Library card
• Internet access

Steps

1 Step One

Fill your home with many reading resources appropriate for your child's age. This can include magazines, books and newspapers. Make time for family reading.

2 Step Two

Educate your children on how to use the local library to improve their reading skills. Make going to the library a fun experience similar to an outing or a hobby. Sign up for a reading club and get the child his own library card.

3 Step Three

Ask your child's teacher about special reading programs. Many school districts offer after-school programs in addition to the regular reading curriculum.

4 Step Four

Read every day with your children. Elicit conversations about characters, setting and plot to enhance your child's reading skills. Share stories about your own childhood and have them draw or write about the stories you've told.

Enhance Reading Skills for Adults

Steps

1 Step One

Visit your local school district's adult education program. Some reading programs are free (to those who qualify) or are reasonably priced. Courses are usually offered in the summer and during the evening to accommodate those who work full-time.

2 Step Two

Read as much as you can everyday. Rely on a wide variety of materials ranging from easy to more challenging texts. Jot down any words you do not understand and look them up.

3 Step Three

Download one of the files at the National Institute for Literacy website Adult Education page (see Resources below). All of the documents contain instructions to improve reading skills such and basic adult education techniques.

Overall Tips & Warnings

• Constantly introduce new vocabulary words to your children throughout the day. You can center this around activities such as following a recipe or playing a game.
• Small children should learn sounds that correspond to vowels and consonants.
• Pick up a copy of 'Teaching Written Response to Text: Constructing Quality Answers to Open-Ended Comprehension Questions' by Nancy N. Boyles, available at Amazon.com (see Resources below).
• If you or your child is having a problem reading, be sure and rule out any eye problems by getting a complete vision exam.

How to Create Your Own Mad Libs

Introduction

Mad Libs is a game in which one player is asked to fill in blanks in a funny story. The story is written about people known by the participants and placed in a strange or humorous situation. Blanks are peppered throughout the story. One person or various people are asked to shout out a specific kind of word such as a noun or verb to fill in each blank. When all the blanks are filled in, the story is read aloud and invariably creates much laughter. Mad Libs are a blast for kids or adults. Read on to learn how to create your own Mad Libs.

Things You'll Need

• At least two people
• A sense of humor
• An imagination

Steps

1 Step One

Erase any serious thoughts from your head. Relax in a chair, couch or bed and allow your imagination to run free.

2 Step Two

Come up with several central characters well-known by the people your Mad Lib is directed to or create a story that lends itself to placing familiar characters into it.

3 Step Three

Create as wild a tale as possible. A boring situation will translate into a boring Mad Lib. Place your characters in ridiculous surroundings motivated by an absurd task.

4 Step Four

Place blanks liberally throughout the story. Set them up so the others will be free to come up with unusual people or creatures confronted by the central characters and wacky quotes from anyone in the story.

5 Step Five

Resolve the tale in what is certain to be a humorous manner once the blanks are filled in. Leave the participants wanting more.

Tips & Warnings

• Play Mad Libs at a party. Encourage everyone to get involved, particularly those who know the same people. Familiarity with the Mad Lib characters is essential in maximizing the effect.
• Remember that it's all for fun. Writing a Mad Lib or filling in blanks in a way that insults others or calls out their shortcomings will backfire. Some people are more sensitive than others. Always keep that in mind.

How to Finish a Book

Introduction

With such short attention spans and the emphasis on quick, short, pointed, always accessible information, it seems that books run the risk of becoming obsolete. However leave it to people like scandalous Oprah Book Club authors and scandalous politicians to keep us reading. We will live our whole lives and never get to read all the books we ‘want to’ read or ‘should’ read; you can though, with a few pointed exercises, make sure that you get at least some reading done throughout the year.

Things You'll Need

• book

Steps

1 Step One

Anniversary: One day each year, calendar quarter, fiscal quarter, each season, each month, or each week you should evaluate what you have read, what you would like to read and how to get there. Making a point of doing this each Valentines Day or Mother’s Day or your birthday every year is a good way to keep current with the state of the world of books and will also keep you discovering the joys of reading.

2 Step Two

Plot it: Once you have decided where you stand in the book plot, then you need to plot your reading. Set goals for yourself; where you would like to be and how many books you’d like to read by a certain date. If you have decided that you want to read six books in the winter, that is around two books per month. So you will need to get started on that right away, get the books you would like to read, and get going. If your ambitions are a lot less for whatever reason, say you want to read two books per year, plot it out and maybe you can double your total as new books come out or formerly exciting books reemerge.

3 Step Three

Schedule: It seems amazing that we can be sure to watch all of our favorite television sitcoms, news, sports, and reality television programs and yet we can not seem to find any time in our busy lives to pick up a book and read. Why not every Sunday afternoon or Friday night, rather than pick up your glo-stick and bandana, why not pick up a new novel and see what is going on in the world of literature.

4 Step Four

Gift: If you feel like you want to read but do not ever manage to make it to the bookstore or library, why not drop hints to your partner or loved ones. They may pick up on this and get you spurned on to read the books you never have time to get; then, if you have got them, you might as well make time to read them!

How to Organize a Book Club

Introduction

The read on book clubs is that they're hotter than ever, thanks in part
to Oprah. There are even radio- and Internet-based book clubs that
let you share your thoughts with readers around the world, as well
as mother/daughter groups and clubs for couples.

Steps

1 Step One

Decide how big you want the club to be and the criteria you'll use to pick members. Important factors include: Will they show up consistently? Are they likely to read the book? Are they intelligent and opinionated? Do they have a sense of humor?

2 Step Two

Discuss how you'll choose the books. Some clubs select titles for an entire year. Others pick their next book at each meeting. Will the host pick the book or will members vote? Will you read only paperbacks or only books available online? Strictly classics? Will you prohibit best sellers? You might pick a genre and period, such as 18th-century English literature, for the entire year. BookmarksMagazine.com can get you started.

3 Step Three

Figure out logistics. Will you meet once a month, at the same day and time? If someone can't make it, or the date needs to be changed, will this be communicated by phone or e-mail?

4 Step Four

Determine the discussion format. Will the host lead the group or will there be an informal exchange of ideas? Will you take turns offering feedback or will it be a casual free-for-all? Will the first half-hour or so be set aside for dishing (and eating)? Will someone research the author, period and subject matter? Set ground rules, including how to get the group back on track if it digresses.

5 Step Five

Get serious. If your book club has degenerated to a gossip fest, hire a professional facilitator to lead the discussion, provide background information and choose the next book. Ask a bookseller or librarian for references, or look up the Association of Book Group Readers and Leaders based in Illinois. Sure, the pros are pricey, but you're guaranteed an insightful and informative discussion.

Overall Tips & Warnings

• Invite an author to speak at a meeting.
• Food, of course, is key to your club's success. Decide if the host will provide the food or if meetings are potluck. Bring food inspired by the book: sushi if you've read The Life of Pi; dim sum for The Joy Luck Club; brats, curly fries and beer for Moneyball.
• Remember that book clubs are extracurricular activities. If personality clashes are taking the fun out of it, quit and start a new one.

How to Start a Reading Journal

Introduction

A reading journal is a book log utilized by students, teachers or avid readers. It is used to document the books a person has read. Some start a reading journal for educational purposes (analysis of a particular passage), inspiration (jotting down favorite quotes), or simply as a way to recommend books to friends and family.

Decide What Type of Reading Journal to Start

Things You'll Need

• Writing journal
• Computer with Word or Excel programs
• Internet access

Steps

1 Step One

Create a reading journal in a spreadsheet format. Use a software program such as Excel (or a similar one). Generate fields for headings you want to include in your reading journal such as name of book, author, notes and chapter numbers.

2 Step Two

Buy a notebook to start a handwritten reading journal. Select a book with lined pages to keep your writing organized and wide margins for expanded note-taking.

3 Step Three

Start a reading journal to use online. Create a PDF or Word document for your reading journal where you can type in text and post it on a website or email it to others.

Start a Reading Journal for an Educator

Steps

1 Step One

Establish a format for the reading journal that will help students analyze a particular book.

2 Step Two

Formulate sections that will enhance a student's reading experience. Consider making categories for title/author of book, genre, audience, annotation, review, questions and comparison.

3 Step Three

Learn more about the type of content in a reading journal at the International Network of Writing-Across-the-Curriculum website (see Resources below).

Start a Booklover's Reading Journal

Steps

1 Step One

Select a notebook that is comfortable for you to write in. Make sure the size of the book has room for many notations and easy note-taking.

2 Step Two

Consider buying a loose-leaf style journal where you can add photocopies, section dividers and easily discard or insert pages.

3 Step Three

Record each book you read in the journal. Dedicate a page or less for each chapter.

4 Step Four

Take notes as you read. Make notations about scenes, dialog, questions and other inspirational feelings that occur. The notes for your reading journal can run the gamut from how a passage touches your heart to critical comments about the writing.

Overall Tips & Warnings

• Purchase a journal that reflects your personal style and the books you love to read. For instance, if you're a fan of travel books, select a journal with images of famous places on it.
• Start a reading journal to coincide with a book club. This will help you communicate your thoughts and feelings to the group after you read the book.

How to Teach Children to Love Reading

Introduction

Harry Potter and Winnie the Pooh are lovable characters. But when children use their imaginations while reading about them, these heroes become timeless and extra special. Reading to your children is the first step in helping them develop a lifelong love of books. Start early and their journey will go from laughing at a lanky cat in Dr. Seuss tales to admiring courageous figures in Hemingway novels.

Teach Children to Love Reading

Things You'll Need

• Books
• Drawing supplies
• Library access
• Computer

Steps

1 Step One

Start reading to your children when they are young and then read along with them as they get older. Setting a good example of reading in your home will plant a positive seed for the future.

2 Step Two

Establish good reading habits for your children. Incorporate reading into your child's daily activities. Schedule time for reading either in the morning, at lunch or each night before bed so that it's part of their life.

3 Step Three

Make reading fun and enjoyable by choosing books about topics your children already love.

4 Step Four

Expose your children to a wide range of subjects, authors and themes. Start out with picture books when they are young and go up to age-appropriate topics for the later years.

5 Step Five

Relate books to your child's life experiences. If a child connects with a situation in a book, they can develop empathy and a love for what they are reading.

6 Step Six

Encourage children to read the printed versions of movies they enjoy. Help your child develop a technique of imagery and creativity. The love of reading can be expanded into drawing pictures of the situations in the books.

Gather Reading Resources for Children

Steps

1 Step One

Visit the U.S. Department of Education website to learn about reading techniques for your child's age group and where to buy books (see Resources below).

2 Step Two

Establish a family library filled with classic texts and educational books. The many rich subjects will further encourage your children to love reading. Making books a part of the home also enhances the habit of reading.

3 Step Three

Read the text of 'Helping Children Develop a Love for Reading,' available at the Super Duper Publications website, which explores techniques, games and tips to teach your child

How to Find the Books You Loved as a Child

Introduction

New books get published every year, but the ones you loved as a child are like comfort food. It's natural to want the kids you love to have the books that were your childhood favorites.

Things You'll Need

• Children's Books

Steps

1 Step One

Remember as much about the books as you can. Titles and authors' names are, of course, exceedingly useful, but any tidbit, including the setting (Maine? San Francisco?), the main character's name (Betsy? Harriet? Tom?) or the theme (a magic garden? a swan that can play the trumpet?) can come in handy. Make notes as you mull it over.

2 Step Two

Ask the librarian at your child's school or at the children's desk in your public library for help, especially with books you don't remember well. Most children's librarians have not only a deep passion for children's literature, but also an encyclopedic memory for plots and characters.

3 Step Three

Frequent garage sales, especially in turnover neighborhoods (those suburban blocks that were once chock-full of children). People are having fewer kids and having them later, and would-be grandparents who are moving to Florida may decide it's more important that the books be read than that they be saved for a particular child.

4 Step Four

Find out if there's someone in your local used bookstore who specializes in children's books. It's a common passion, and these people tend to be knowledgeable. Some will even keep wish lists and notify you when they find the book you're seeking.

5 Step Five

Keep an eye out for library book sales. Many collectors look askance at 'ex libris' books (books that were once in a library) because they're less than pristine. Still, they're often in surprisingly good condition - well-loved, but not destroyed.

6 Step Six

Check out online services. Most of the larger online stores offer book-search services, while sites that specialize in used and out-of-print books (such as Bibliofind.com and Alibris.com) link networks of small book dealers all over the United States and even abroad.

Tips & Warnings

• Memory can play tricks on you, and even reference books can contain typographical errors. Whether you're searching in reference books or online, check a few different spellings if you can't find what you're looking for.
• Make this a family project. Ask your family and your same-aged friends to help you jog your memory.
• Most book search services provide painstaking detail about the condition of each book ("small tear in corner of page 3," "2-inch purple crayon mark on inside back cover"), but ask about the return policy just in case.