Read to Understand More (Part 2)
Blog Series Intention Recap
John Maxwell likes to point out: All leaders are readers. The point of this blog series is to provide the reader with some tips to help them understand what they are reading better. The more you understand, the more you can incorporate what you learn into your leadership.
This post is part of the series “Read Better.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into week #2:
Tips for Better Reading Comprehension
Boost Your Reading Comprehension with These Simple Tips!
Why does it matter:
Take Notes: Keep a journal for your thoughts and use margins for quick notes.
Read Often: Increase your reading abilities by reading more frequently.
Practice Writing: Improve your understanding of writing by practicing it yourself.
Summarize: Write brief summaries of what you read to ensure comprehension.
Going Deeper
I enjoy reading. For 2024, I set a goal of reading 24 books. I reached it by the end of June. I read everything from fiction to non-fiction, from novels to history, and from leadership development to theological development. Here are four more tips I use to read fast but understand everything.
Take Notes
Taking notes while you read can help you remember important details and understand the material better. Keep a journal near you and write down your thoughts as you read. You can also use the book's margins to jot down quick notes or highlight key points. You can also use Post-it notes to write in your books without writing your books or your Bible.
Writing your thoughts helps you engage more deeply with the text. You can note interesting ideas, important events, or anything confusing. Later, you can look back at your notes to review and reflect on what you’ve read. This habit can make reading more interactive and fun.
One effective way to take notes is to summarize each chapter in your own words. Write down the main events and any important details. This helps you keep track of the story and ensures you’re paying attention. You can also write questions in your journal and see if they get answered later in the book.
Read Often
The more you read, the better you get at it. Reading often helps you become more familiar with different words and writing styles. It can also make reading feel easier and more enjoyable.
Try to set aside some time each day to read. It doesn’t have to be a long time—even 15 minutes a day can make a big difference. The more you practice reading, the more your skills will improve. Plus, regular reading can become a fun part of your daily routine.
Reading a variety of materials can also help. Try reading different genres, such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and even graphic novels. Each type of writing has its style and vocabulary, which can broaden your reading skills. You might discover new types of books that you enjoy.
Practice Your Writing
Writing and reading go hand in hand. By practicing your writing, you can become a better reader. Writing helps you understand how sentences and paragraphs are constructed, which can make it easier to follow along when you read.
Try keeping a journal where you write about your day, your thoughts, or even short stories. You can also write book reviews or summaries of what you’ve read. This practice helps you think critically about the text and improves your overall literacy skills.
When you write, pay attention to how you organize your thoughts. Think about how you start your sentences and how you link ideas together. This will help you notice similar patterns when you read. Understanding these patterns can make it easier to follow the author’s train of thought.
Summarize What You Have Read
Summarizing is a great way to make sure you understand what you’ve read. After finishing a chapter or a book, take a few minutes to write a two- or three-sentence summary. This helps you remember the main points and check your comprehension.
Compare your summary with the book summaries on websites like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Half-Price Books. See if your understanding matches theirs. If there are differences, go back and re-read the parts you might have missed. Summarizing helps reinforce what you’ve learned and ensures you’re getting the most out of your reading.
Another good practice is to discuss the book with someone else. This could be a friend, a family member, or a book club or small group. Talking about the book can help you see it from different perspectives and deepen your understanding. You might notice things you missed or gain new insights from others’ interpretations.
How does this help me “Read Better?”
Reading is a wonderful way to learn and have fun. It opens up new worlds, introduces you to different ideas, and helps you grow as a person. But to truly enjoy and understand what you read, it’s important to develop good reading habits. Here’s a quick recap of the tips we’ve covered:
Take Notes: Keeping a journal or writing in the margins helps you engage with the text and remember important details. This makes reading more interactive and fun.
Read Often: The more you read, the better you get at it. Try to read every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This practice improves your skills and makes reading more enjoyable.
Practice Your Writing: Writing helps you understand how texts are constructed. By practicing writing, you become a better reader. Keep a journal or write book reviews to improve your skills.
Summarize: Writing summaries helps ensure you understand what you’ve read. Compare your summaries with those from websites to check your comprehension. Discussing books with others can also deepen your understanding.
Following these tips can enhance your reading comprehension and make your reading experience more enjoyable. Remember, reading should be a journey of discovery and joy. Each book is an opportunity to learn something new, see the world from a different perspective, and get lost in a captivating story.
So, pick up a book, take notes, read often, practice writing, and summarize what you’ve read. Embrace the adventure that reading brings. Happy reading!
