Read faster and smarter with these tips
What's the story
Enhancing reading fluency is crucial not just for academic performance but also for practical life.
One of the most potent ways to accomplish this is through eye tracking exercises. They assist in enhancing the pace and precision of reading.
These exercises aim to fortify the eye muscles and refine the capability to trail text without misplacing place. Consequently, they augment overall reading efficacy.
Focus exercise
Focus on a single point
To begin exercising your eye muscles, concentrate on a distant point without straining your eyes for 15-30 seconds.
Then, shift your focus to a nearby object for another 15-30 seconds.
Repeat this process five times. This exercise enhances focus flexibility, which is crucial for comfortably transitioning between lines while reading.
Tracking exercise
Follow the figure eight
Picture an invisible figure eight on its side (an infinity sign) about 10 feet in front of you. Follow this shape with your eyes slowly, keeping your head still.
Do this exercise for two minutes every day.
This exercise strengthens your eye movement control, which can help you read lines of text more smoothly, without your eyes jumping around or missing words.
Guided reading
The pointer guide
Using a pointer or your finger greatly helps in keeping your attention on each word as you navigate through sentences and paragraphs.
Simply move the pointer under each word as you read, making sure not to rush but instead match the natural rhythm of reading aloud.
This method not only enhances tracking but also fosters improved comprehension by encouraging a more intentional interaction with the text.
Zoom exercise
Zoom in and out
This exercise focuses on switching between different font sizes to train your eyes to adjust quickly between various reading materials like books, newspapers, and digital screens.
Start by reading a paragraph in large print, then immediately switch to smaller print material without taking a long break between changes.
Dedicate five minutes daily to this exercise to improve visual flexibility.
Cognitive enhancement
Word puzzles and games
Playing word puzzles like crosswords or word searches can greatly enhance your vocabulary and train your eyes to move more efficiently across texts, regardless of their complexity.
These games involve scanning across grids or lists, which simulates the eye movements required when looking for specific info within large texts.
Just 10 minutes a day can significantly improve your scanning skills and speed.