Skills Guide Content
Goal: Improve attention to reading comprehension
Different physical techniques that improve studying effectiveness:
- read aloud
- walk or pace while reading
- take movement breaks
- talk about what you read
- use a highlighter and take notes
- use a bookmark or ruler to follow the lines
Sometimes, adults can think a student’s movement is just distracting fidgeting but in reality its a way of allowing energy to get out of the body so the brain can focus.
Activity from Planner
When you are reading, there are some physical tricks you can use to help the information stick.
- Read aloud instead of silently
- Walk or pace around while you read
- Take brief breaks for movement
- Talk about what you have just read
- Use highlighter and take notes
- Use a bookmark or ruler to follow under the line
Pick one reading trick to try.
Extended Activity
When you are reading, there are some physical tricks you can use to help the information stick:
- Read aloud instead of silently. It may take longer, but it will help you to focus on each word.
- Walk or pace around while you read. This strategy may help you avoid zoning out or focusing on internal distractions instead of the words on the page.
- Take brief breaks for movement. You need 2-10 minutes of activity to get your focus back for reading. Try using a timer. Read for 15 minutes, then take a 5-minute break before repeating the cycle.
- Talk about what you have just read. Discuss it with your accountability person, or talk it out to yourself.
- Use highlighter pens to bring attention to the main points. Doing this keeps you focused and helps your short-term memory!
- Take notes while reading, then go back and review to check your understanding.
- Use a bookmark or ruler to follow along as you read each line so you don’t lose your place.
Pick one item from the list and plan to try it out this week! Add it to your weekly sheet, and consider putting a note in the book to remind yourself to do it differently.
Leave a Reply