Reading for fun is one of life's greatest pleasures. There's nothing quite like sinking into an armchair with a beloved book and letting yourself be transported to the world of an imaginative character. In our busy, technology-filled lives, it can be hard to carve out the time to sit down with a book. Here are some tips on how to become a good reader.
Create a reading schedule. Block out a period of time to dedicate to reading every day, even if it's just ten minutes. Choose a time that's stress-free. Read during a nice, quiet time. Enjoy a book with breakfast or as you're getting ready for bed. Prepare a snack you love to eat while you read. This will make you look forward to reading time!
There's no reason to immediately force yourself to read War and Peace when you're trying to get into reading. Start with something that's easy and fun to read, regardless of its academic level. Pick up your old favorite kids book or choose a young adult novel, most of which are fast-paced, easy to read, and full of imaginative characters. Grab a favorite like Harry Potter, or some Roald Dahl classics like Matilda or James and the Giant Peach to get started.
Experiment with different genres. Don't limit yourself to one genre. Alternating between genres such as fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, and history can keep you constantly engaged and excited about reading. Science fiction and fantasy are often great picks for people who don't love to read. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card and A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams are two widely adored sci-fi classics.
Get rid of distractions. Reading takes a lot of concentration, and it's impossible to get into a book if you're constantly checking your email or Facebook or distracted by outside noise. Find a quiet place and remove technological distractions while you're reading. Put your cell phone far enough away from you that you won't pick it up to check your social media.
A. Start small.
B. Choose a book.
C. They're fun, imaginative, and fast paced.
D. For some, however, reading can feel like a burden.
E. Like anything else, reading is an activity that gets easier with practice.
F. There are fantasy books, historical fiction books, realistic fiction books, and so many others.
G. Turn off your cell phone or put it on silent, unless you plan to use it to look up unfamiliar words.
