The ability to read well is the foundation for success is any subject. A child struggling to read will inevitably struggle in all areas of their academic career, and will find themselves far more limited in their post high school educational opportunities when the time comes. Reading directions clearly, proofreading essays, performance on standardized tests, acceptance into the next grade, and much more are directly impacted by a child’s ability to read at his or her own grade level. To gain entrance into college or even private schools during their grade school years requires even more than just competency in reading. These options require excellence in reading, writing, and speaking skills. If your child is behind in his or her reading abilities, it is essential to begin improving those skills immediately. The use of speed reading drills can get you both well on your, and with fast results.
As the parent of a child who struggles to read, you understand that each passing day is a threat to your child’s academic success. As such, speed reading drills are an excellent option. While you likely remember taking part in speed reading activities as a child in your own classrooms, you can use new techniques to improve your child’s reading level in a manner that is much more fun for him or her to take part in.
First, purchase an egg timer, a reading journal, a “grading” book for recording reading speed progress, page markers, and a highlighter. Forget about the antiquated notion that improving your child’s reading level with speed reading must entail forcing him or her to feign interest in a subject that holds no appeal for him/her. Go out and select a book or two together with a topic that he/she will actually enjoy reading, and you will instantly find your little reader much more excited about improving his or her reading skills.
Next, explain to your child that he/she will be reading this book as quickly as possible without missing the main points in the story. For this reason, you will need to read ahead of your child each day and take notes on what should be conveyed back to you upon review. Take out the egg timer and set it for five minutes, and simply start at the beginning of the book. Have your child scan the text as fast as he/she can until the timer goes off, stressing the importance of reading quickly even if it means missing a word or two. Why? You see, the point of this exercise is to get the brain to react to text faster, making reading at a normal speed easier. While you wouldn’t want your child to read this fast at all times, speed reading will improve your child’s reading level with practice as it makes reading in a more relaxed setting seem more comfortable by comparison. In other words, the better your child is at speed reading, the better he/she will be at everyday reading.
When the timer goes off, have your child recount to you the highlights of what he/she read. This exercise serves two purposes. First, it will allow you to grasp just how much of the story your child really comprehended. If most of the main points were missed, instruct him or her to slow down just a bit. Secondly, this will also give you and your child time to discuss literature together, making reading a more enjoyable experience for him/her. Record what was relayed back to you from the speed reading session and grade your child’s memorization capabilities during the process on a scale of 1 to 20. Each week, look back to see if progress is being made. If not, make the necessary adjustments in reading materials, time frame allotments, or in stressing the importance of comprehension along with speed.
When the speed reading session is completed, record the number of pages read for the time frame in your grading book. Highlight where the last sentence left off, and mark the page for exact referencing. If you like, allow your child to finish reading the rest of the chapter on his/her own, rather than stopping at an odd place each time. To further aid the process, encourage reading as much as possible. While reading any literature, from magazines to comic books, may get your child to read a little more often, it is imperative that he/she reads well written literature that has been critiqued and scrutinized for quality as well. Children’s versions of the classics are available at very low prices now, and most include pictures and large print as well. Encourage quality reading time with rewards if necessary, and always reward your child for progress in speed reading time and comprehension improvements. Making reading a bit less like a chore and a bit more of a chance to earn recognition may be the push your child needs to improve his/her reading skills.
