Tips for Students to improve their reading habits.

Inculcating the habit of reading from a tender age goes a long way in developing logical reasoning and lateral thinking. A well-read individual will have a wider knowledge base, a deeper understanding of global perspectives, and will be able to more actively participate in conversations. Schools, therefore, try to develop reading habits in students, so that they can create individuals that are well-versed and better informed.

Other than improving the cognitive skills of students, reading also helps in the development of visual and spatial skills. Books create a world of their own, and when children immerse into that world, they create strong visuals of all the characters and surroundings in their brains. With the plethora of OTT platforms in this era, there is such a heavy load of visual content, that very little is left to imagination. In such times, when students are exposed to reading, it helps develop their imaginative and creative capabilities which would otherwise be lacking.

Following are some tips for students:

1. Making reading a habit:
Students tend to have hectic schedules, juggling between their academics, extra- curriculars, and leisure activities. To ensure that reading becomes a part of their daily routine, students must make reading a habit. When reading becomes a habit, just like showering, eating, and exercising, students will start reading regularly without thinking of it as a task or burden. Once this habit is inculcated, students will instinctively read every day as they will start enjoying the process getting emotionally invested in the characters and plots.

2. Library visits:
Libraries are a wonderful environment to develop the habit of reading amongst students. The first few visits to a library may feel forced or obligatory, but once students become regulars at the library, they will start visiting the library on their own accord. Libraries are a great source of reading material. Although, there is a vast availability of materials online these days, the joy of sifting through books and spending hours at a library still remains unparalleled.

3. Starting Book Clubs:
Book clubs are a great way to encourage reading. Book clubs are formed by groups of individuals that share a similar interest in books. They mutually decide upon a book that they must all read at the same time. They convene once a week/month, and then discuss their views and opinions on the chosen book. Book clubs encourage students to share their love for reading with like minds, and hence it is an effective way to improve the quality and quantity of material being read.

4. Picking a book of your choice:
To pique their interest, it is very essential that students pick books that they themselves are truly interested in reading. Reading is very subjective, and therefore it is vital that students choose books of the genre and style of writing that they enjoy. Forcefully reading what others are reading, without enjoying the theme and writing style, could hamper the individuals desire to read further. A common rule to follow is the 50-page rule: If one does not start loving a book after reading 50 pages of the book, then it is probably best to leave the book and try another one.

5. Setting Reading Goals:
If students set small and achievable reading goals for themselves, it would help them to sustain their desire to read. Setting realistic goals for tasks is always a great way to get work done, without it becoming taxing or arduous. The goals can be daily/weekly or monthly. Sharing the goals with friends and making reading partners can also work well. Initially, it may require a bit of pushing to achieve one’s own goals, but eventually, it becomes a part of one’s routine.

6. Making Reading a form of entertainment:
For most students, entertainment means watching television or listening to music. If one starts thinking of reading as a form of entertainment, then students could use their spare time to read and learn. Reading is not limited to educational books only. Even reading fictional stories can have a positive impact on students. Reading broadens the imagination and thinking skills of students, thereby improving their overall brain development and reasoning abilities.

7. Actively Discussing the books read:
Just as we tend to discuss movies and web series that we watch amongst friends and family, if we encourage students to discuss books that they have read, it would further encourage them to read. When discussing books becomes dinner table conversation, children would be stimulated to read more so that they can actively contribute to the conversation.

While the orthodox method of teaching focussed on rote learning, International Schools now focus on the overall cognitive development of their students. As a result, the best international schools in Mumbai , encourage students to read books of their choice even if they have no relevance to the subjects being taught at school. Aditya Birla World Academy, one of Mumbai’s top international schools, focusses its efforts towards making students enjoy the process of reading and exploring. Delving into new genres of books and making reading a habit is a great way to keep up with the times and learn something new each day.

Tips for Students to improve their reading habits.

Author

Anshruta Poddar

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