If you are a learner of English as a second or foreign language it can be daunting to contemplate reading a book in English, especially if you are not a big fan of reading in your native language. Developing reading stamina is a skill that even native English speakers need to develop. Here is strategy for extending the time you spend reading and getting the most out of that time.
Firstly, make your goal something you are realistically able to achieve. Don't feel that you have to choose a very long and challenging novel. You might even consider short stories or even children's classics so that the text length and the complexity of the language isn't so much of a problem. It's also worth considering choosing a text you have already read in your native language so that you are familiar with the plot and the characters.
Choosing a Time to Read Each Day
Next, think about the time of day when you are most awake and likely to be undisturbed. Once you have chosen the time try and stick to always reading at that time. Most importantly, find a time that works for you!
Set Your Goal Length
Now pick a realistic length of reading time to aim for. If you don't want to focus on time, you could aim to read a specific amount of words e.g. a paragraph, a page, a chapter. Start with a small goal. I would suggest you write down your goals for daily reading. Here is an example of a reading goal:
I will read one paragraph each morning while I'm drinking my coffee.
Useful Tools
Have a small dictionary (electronic or paper) so that you can look up any new words and make a note of them. You may find that reading on a tablet or using an eReader makes it easier to look up new vocabulary and you may also have the option to make notes on the text.
Follow Your Plan
Now you need to follow your reading plan for week one.
Try to keep a reading diary. See my example:
Text:
Reading goal:
Date and time:
Length/Time Read:
New Words or Phrases:
My feelings: (Here you might want to make a note of whether or not you are enjoying the book, whether or not the time of day is working for you, if you are struggling with the goal you have set etc.)
Review Your Progress
At the end of the week you need to honestly review your reading for the week. Did you pick a good time of day to read? Did you read the amount or length you planned to read?
Set Yourself a New Goal
If you're happy with what you have achieved, write yourself a new goal for week two, where you increase the length of time or the amount you read. Make sure that you choose a realistic amount. If you are not happy with what you tried to achieve you may want to make changes to your plan. This could include changing the time you read or the type of text you read. Make whatever changes you need to help you to achieve your goals.
Repeat the Process
Try to keep to your new plan and again at the end of the week reflect on what you have achieved and adjust your goal. Keep repeating the process, gradually increasing the length of time or the amount that you read in each session. Hopefully you should be able to extend the length of time you read.
If you try this method, let me know how you get on. This method can also be used with native speakers of English who are struggling with developing good reading habits or who are "reluctant readers".
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