Chapter 8 – Reading Skills
Reading Strategies & Stories
Keli Yerian; Cameron Keaton; and Bibi Halima
In this section, we’ll look at some specific strategies that relate to the research-supported principles for reading that were discussed in the previous sections. These strategies are concrete actions that you can take advantage of in your learning journey. As with the skills strategies in the previous two chapters, the strategies below have been drawn from multiple sources. Some were crowd-sourced by students in our LING 144 Learning How to Learn Languages class after they reflected on their own language learning experiences.
This chapter does not yet have student stories included in it. We will invite future cohorts to add more strategies and create more stories to illustrate them.
Metacognitive strategies for reading
Think about why you are reading
The purpose of your reading will help you choose appropriate direct strategies. For example, are you just trying to get the overall idea of the text? You might choose to skim the text in this case. Are you trying to find some specific information? You might choose to scan for that information. Are you trying to evaluate whether the text might be very biased in some way? You might choose to look at the source carefully or look for language that plays on your emotions.
Think about what you are reading
Like we mentioned before, the type of text (genre) can relate strongly to what kinds of strategies are most helpful for reading it. Is it a graphic novel that you can read for pleasure without worrying about every word, using visual clues for context? Is it a prompt in a written exam that you must read very carefully word for word? Is it a chart or graph that you can scan to find specific answers in?
Make a plan to read
This can be as thoughtful as a specific SMART goal or as casual as a reminder on your phone to leave 10, 20, or 30 minutes at the end of your day or during a break to read a little in your L2, for fun or for studying.
Take advantage of your language class
Although we are emphasizing in this book how much you can learn independently, if you have an opportunity to take a language class, take advantage of the fact that the teacher is already choosing readings more or less at your level. Make the best use of the reading resources that are part of the class or that the teacher might be able to point you to.
Socio-Affective strategies for reading
Find a cozy place to read… or read on the go
Where and when are you most comfortable reading? Do you like to find a quiet place with good natural light? Do you like reading in your bed? Do you like reading on your phone whenever you have a few minutes? Think about what works for you and go for it.
Enjoy a tea, coffee, snack or whatever you like while you read
Many of us like a hot drink in winter, or a cool one in summer, to keep us company while we read. Snacks are great too as long as it’s not mindless eating. Make reading a pleasure!
Talk about what