Reading Tips

This year we will work to develop your skills as a reader. Up to now, you may not have had to read deeply.

Most of your reading may have been done at a recreational level, and that is fine when you are reading for fun. When you are reading for class, however, you need to read more actively. Below I will detail some strategies to help you read more deeply. In general, you should follow some basic guidelines anytime you read a homework assignment:

  • Set aside a block of time so that you can immerse yourself in your reading

  • Minimize distractions

    • Try to read in a space that is far from tv, video games, or other computer activity

    • Some of you may work well with music playing. However, if you find your mind wandering to the lyrics of the song on the radio, change the station to classical or jazz instead (99.5FM is my favorite)

    • Remove your cellphone from the area. Even if you have it on "silent," everytime it dings, vibrates, or flashes, your mind will naturally wander to who might be texting/tweeting/snapchatting, etc

  • Have a pen/pencil handy, as well as Post-its or simple notebook paper

  • Try to read slowly enough so that you can process exactly what is happening. You should have a movie-like image in your mind of what is happening in the story.

And now for some specific strategies:

  1. Stop & Summarize

If using this method, stop yourself at the end of each chapter and jot down a bulleted list of the main events from that chapter. Affix the Post-it to the final page of each chapter, with the edge just protruding from the top of the book so that you can quickly flip to it to review before class. If you're summarizing in a notebook, simply label each chapter separately, so that you can refer back to the book for further information, if needed.

If the book you are reading has very long chapters, or you find that you have a hard time remembering many pages at a time, pause at the end of every few pages, or even every page, if that's what you need to succeed.

2. Rainbow Post-it Flags

To use this method, you'll need Post-its of several different colors, and possibly a pen/pencil. On your bookmark or some other piece of paper to keep in your book, make a key for each Post-it color. The categories should correspond to whatever your targets are. For example, in Tuck Everlasting, we are taking note of new vocabulary, metaphors/similes/personification, great diction, ways Babbitt creates mystery/suspense, and conversation starters. If using this method, I'd assign a different color Post-it to each of these elements. As I'm reading, I would attach a flag in the spot where I found any of those five elements. I might use my pen to write on the flag any other thoughts or points to consider.

This may seem confusing and/or a lot of work, but it's really a great system once you get into a groove with it. Admittedly, the first chapter or two is a bit of an adjustment, but after that, it becomes very easy and natural.

It's a great method if you're doing Exam Exemption or a final essay on metaphors, for example, because you can read almost uninterrupted and then you have all of your evidence labeled for you to go back and cite.

3. Audio Recording

If taking notes while you read seems too cumbersome or arduous (i.e. too many materials to manage or too difficult), this method may be for you. The trick is in keeping your phone from becoming a distraction.

The way this works is basically the same as method #1, Stop & Summarize. At the end of each chapter or section, stop and recap what you just read. Instead of writing it down on paper, simply talk into your phone or laptop and make an audio recording. Simply replay your recording before class to refresh your memory regarding what you read for homework.

4. Use Graphic Organizers

Throughout the year, I will give you a variety of graphic organizers to help you with your reading comprehension. My strategy is to show you many different methods so that in high school and beyond, you can choose the methods that work best for you.

One classic type of graphic organizer is the character map. Set up like a family tree, it shows relationships between different characters and is a great way to keep track of who's who. (Especially helpful when reading Russian novels featuring characters with multiple names!) To optimize the character chart, don't stop with simply the names of the characters. Every time you learn something new about the character, (such as age, occupation, personality trait), add it to the chart.

Another graphic organizer is the setting chart. Like the character map, this can be an essential tool to help you understand the complexities of a novel's setting. As we have already discussed, a setting is so much more than just time and place. In many classic novels you will study-- such as 1984 or Lord of the Flies-- having a deep understanding of the setting is critical to your comprehension of the literature.