The Importance of Familiarity with Material in Improving Reading Skills
Reading is one of the most fundamental skills that every person must possess. It is an essential tool for learning and communication, and it is a skill that everyone uses every day. However, not everyone is proficient in reading. Some struggle with reading comprehension, while others find it challenging to read for prolonged periods. One thing that can help improve one’s reading skills is familiarity with reading material.
Introduction
In this article, we will discuss how familiarity with material can improve one’s reading skills. We will explore the benefits of reading familiar material and how it helps with reading comprehension, fluency, and motivation. We will also discuss how to cultivate familiarity with reading material and how educators and parents can help struggling readers improve their skills.
The Benefits of Reading Familiar Material
Reading familiar material has numerous benefits. For one, it improves reading comprehension. When readers are familiar with the subject matter, they are more likely to understand the material better. Familiarity allows readers to make connections between the material they’re reading and their prior knowledge.
Another benefit of reading familiar material is that it improves reading fluency. Fluent readers read smoothly and effortlessly because they are not bogged down by unfamiliar words or syntax. Familiarity with reading material enables readers to read faster and with greater ease, which can improve their overall reading speed.
Finally, reading familiar material can be motivating for struggling readers. When readers are familiar with the material, they are more likely to feel confident in their ability to tackle it. This confidence can inspire them to read more often and for longer periods.
How to Cultivate Familiarity with Reading Material
Cultivating familiarity with reading material is not always easy, but it is worth the effort. The following are some tips to help readers become more familiar with reading material:
1. Read extensively: The more one reads, the more familiar they become with the material. Encourage readers to read widely and often, both within their comfort zone and outside of it.
2. Focus on subject matter: Choose reading material that aligns with the reader’s interests. This can be in the form of books, articles, blogs, or even comic books. The more interesting the subject matter, the more likely the reader is to read it.
3. Re-read favorite books: Re-reading favorite books or articles can help readers become more familiar with the material. Each time they read it, they will notice something new and gain a deeper understanding of the material.
4. Use technology: Audiobooks and e-readers can help struggling readers become more familiar with material. Audiobooks allow readers to listen to the material, while e-readers provide the option to adjust text size, font, and background color.
How Educators and Parents Can Help Struggling Readers
Educators and parents can play an important role in helping struggling readers become familiar with reading material. The following are some ways they can help:
1. Encourage reading: Encourage struggling readers to read, even if it’s outside their comfort zone. Provide them with reading material that aligns with their interests and abilities.
2. Provide support: Provide struggling readers with the support they need to become more familiar with reading material. This can include reading aloud, summarizing passages, and making connections between the material and the reader’s prior knowledge.
3. Monitor progress: Keep track of the reader’s progress and provide feedback. Celebrate successes and make adjustments as needed.
4. Use technology: Technology can be an excellent tool for struggling readers. Audiobooks, e-readers, and text-to-speech software can help struggling readers become more familiar with reading material.
Conclusion
In conclusion, familiarity with reading material is an essential component of improving reading skills. Familiarity leads to improved comprehension, fluency, and motivation. Educators and parents play a vital role in helping struggling readers become more familiar with reading material. By following the tips mentioned in this article, struggling readers can become more confident and proficient in their reading abilities.
