Being a Reader
Photo by Alice Hampson on Unsplash
Somewhere between college and adulthood, many of my friends stopped reading for fun. Between the required reading for classes and then the never-ending to-do list of adulthood, reading for pleasure took a back seat. The far back seat. Optional third row back seat.
Yet avid readers DO exist and I am unashamedly one of them.
In some recent conversations, my friends and I have been parsing through the intricacies of how we view reading for pleasure as we work to answer the question, “How can I read more books?”
So for those of you who would rather skip the sifting through of long conversations and introspection, here are 7 simple ways you can begin to read more this fall:
1. Start with the “why.” Remind yourself that reading has value
Children follow their role models. Curl up in a comfy chair and let your children see you reading!
Reading is a simple way to build your emotional intelligence. Immersing yourself in the narrative of another person builds empathy and increases your capacity for compassion.
Reading a variety of genres increases your intelligence and expands your world-view. Books introduce you to new vocabulary, varied lifestyles, and locations you may not otherwise visit.
2. Add “reading” to your list of values and priorities
If you believe reading is meant to be done when your to-do list is completed, you will never read. By now, we have all learned that the to-do list is never done. Instead, if being a reader is on your list of values, then “reading for pleasure” can (and should, in order to live within your values) be on your to-do list regularly.
3. Use reading as a substitute for habits you would like to break
Read before bed instead of watching a show. Remind yourself that this both increases your reading as well as improves your sleep.
When you grab your keys and water bottle to leave the house, bring a book, too! Read it in the car line, during the car wash & during your lunch break.
While at home, keep your book handier than your phone. Waiting for your coffee to brew? Read instead of scrolling!
4. Introduce your family to “reading dinners”
This is as simple as it sounds. Everyone grabs a book to read while you eat! (Thank you to The Lazy Genius for the idea!)
5. Try the “3 at a time” system
1. Non-fiction book: choose a book related to an area you want to learn more about.
2. Fiction book: choose a book that you just cannot put down
3. Audiobook: download Hoopla and Libby and keep a book (or two) downloaded for when you are in the car or doing other tasks on your to-do list. *
*Audiobook tip: begin each book at regular speed. Once you know the characters and have been absorbed into the storyline, increase the speed to 1.5 - 2x.
6. Find people to “talk books” with
Try an organized book club with friends (virtually or in person) or at your library.
Choose to read books on topics that you know work colleagues, family members, or friends are interested in. Having new knowledge will boost the conversations you are already having.
Listen to podcasts about reading to listen in on book conversations! (My personal favorite is Anne Bogel’s, “What Should I Read Next?”)
7. Read what your children are reading
Middle grades and young adult fiction takes less time and brain space for adults to read, and by reading what our children are interested in, we have another opportunity to build connections with them. It also encourages them to be readers!
*Are you looking for more ways to encourage your children to read? Check out this blog post: https://www.zimzumcc.com/blog/2022/9/14/raising-readers
Happy reading!
This blog post was written by Bethany Stempert. Bethany is an Education Consultant with ZimZum Consulting. She is an educator and preschool director with degrees and experience in early childhood, special education, elementary education, and literacy instruction.