By Raphael Reichel
Whether we like it or not, technology plays a fundamental role in shaping our manner of reading. As a result, many people seek to acquire substantive knowledge from online blogs, study guides and social media, in the course of learning and casual reading. In recent years, taking in more information at rapid rates have compromised the attention span of casual readers. While studies show that reading small amounts of information over long periods of time can be useful, reading longer works of writing such as books or e-books provides a multitude of benefits and is often associated with future success.
Dr. Bill Klemm’s article, “Eight Tips to Understand and Remember What You Read — Especially as You Read Nonfiction,” provides a useful list of tools for promoting organizational and mindful reading for the public. In the article, he notes how the contemporary reader often has to read a text multiple times before understanding and remembering what was read. Particularly true among those born into computer-based technology, the reading concern may be due to the value of books becoming less obvious in today’s age of information. When considering the modern tendencies to use computer-based technology naturally and easily, along with the anticipation of fast, frequent communication, the idea of reading longer works can feel like an unaccustomed burden. The potential decrease in the above-mentioned value of books, coupled with the decreasing attention span, can, therefore, render the process of reading a book into a tedious, inefficient or protracted affair.
Individuals with ADHD, learning and reading difficulties, however, must work with their respective struggles in addition to these outlined obstacles in order to read material of extended length at a manageable pace. Nevertheless, the process of reading is a paramount source of learning and enjoyment that should not be abandoned. It is also becoming more prevalent as a therapeutic practice.
In my experience, I have worked with parents who give a technological device, such as a tablet, to their children at early stages of their development. In these cases, it is important to limit a child’s time with such devices while working on building reading skills and other cognitive functions through reading together at home. To best implement such habits, the article details eight strategies. While these strategies can be applied to any individual, the presented methods can be particularly useful for individuals with higher levels of phonetic processing but who still struggle with reading comprehension.
Consider the following strategies:
1. Read with a purpose.
2. Skim first.
3. Get the reading mechanics right.
4. Be judicious in highlighting and note-taking.
5. Think in pictures.
6. Rehearse as you go along.
7. Operate within your attention span (and expand it).
8. Rehearse, Rehearse and Rehearse.
Summary
While different schools utilize a variety of methods for improving word reading accuracy, fluency, and reading comprehension within classrooms, it is the job of the parent to continue fostering these skills at home.
It’s true that the challenges the children with ADHD and learning disabilities face remain daunting, the strategies put forth in Dr. Bill Klemm’s article may provide some worthwhile assistance.
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