Introduction:

Reading skills is the ability of an individual to read, comprehend and interpret written words on a page of
an article or any other reading material. The possession of a good reading skill will enable the individual
to be able to assimilate a written work within a short period while reading.

It teaches how to achieve fluency, and develop the motivation to read. Good reading skills, especially in a
phonics reading program, improve spelling. As students learn to sound out letters and words, spelling
becomes easier. Also, reading helps to expand the vocabulary. Reading new words puts them in their
mind for later use.

Importance
Mental Stimulation:

Studies have shown that staying mentally stimulated can slow the progress of Alzheimer’s and dementia
since keeping your brain active and engaged prevents it from losing power.

Just like any other muscle in the body, the brain requires exercise to keep it strong and healthy, so the
phrase “Use it or lose it” is particularly apart when it comes to your mind. Doing puzzles and playing
games such as chess have also been found to be helpful with cognitive stimulation.

Stress Reduction:

No matter how much stress you have at work, in your personal relationships, or countless other issues
faced in daily life, it all slips away when you lose yourself in a great story and a well written novel can
transport you to other realms, while an engaging article will distract you and keep you in the present
moment, letting tensions drain away and allowing you to relax.

Knowledge:

Everything you need fills your head with new bits of information, and you never know when it might come
handy. The more knowledge you have, the better equip you are to tackle any challenge that you will ever
face. You might lose everything else – you job, money, health – knowledge can never be taken from you.

Vocabulary Expansion:

The more you read, the more words you gain exposure to, and they will inevitably make their way into
your everyday vocabulary.
Focus and Concentration:

When you read a book all of your attention is focused on the story – the rest of the world just falls away
and you can immerse yourself in every fine detail you are observing.

Develops imagination:

TV and computer games have their place. But they are more like amusement. Amusement comes from two
words a [none] and muse [think].Amusement is non-thinking activities. With reading, a person can go
anywhere in the world. They imagine things like being a king or an adventurer while reading a story they
imagine those things happening. Non-readers never experience these joys to the same extent. Reading
develops creative side of people.

Do`s of readings skills:

1. Do try and read every day this is the best practice you can get to help yourself to become a fluent
reader.
2. Do find somewhere away from distractions when you will be away from distractions you will be
able to read aloud to yourself. Make sure you are comfortable but not too comfortable – lying
down may make you more inclined to fall asleep than listen.
3. Do make an effort to read aloud with lots of expression and animation. Alter your tone to suit
the words on the page, make facial expressions to emphasize emotions.
4. Do read lots of different things like reading articles, books, fiction and non-fiction. It will get you
used to different styles, and help find what you like.
5. Do read for a decent amount of time. 15–20 minutes at least. 5 minutes at a time is not going to
help you much.
6. When you start reading, read at a medium pace. When you read at a medium pace, your brain
can comprehend words easily.
7. If you are reading something important whose notes you need to take, mark important phrases
while you read. Even if you are reading a non-fiction or fiction and you like an expression used by
the author you can mark it or underline it.
8. Never stop abruptly to put a bookmark. Try to pause at the end of chapters or at the end of a part
of the story. The breakage in link may drive you away from reading.
Don’ts of reading skills:

1. Don’t read stories that you don’t enjoy. Your dislike will show in the reading, and that defeats
your purpose.
2. Don’t continue reading a book once it is obvious that it was a poor choice. Admit the mistake
and choose another.
3. Don’t select a book that many of the children already have seen on TV or the cinema. Once a
novel’s plot is known, much of their interest is lost.
4. Don’t start reading if you are not going to have enough time to do it.
5. Don’t get too comfortable while reading. A reclining or slouching position is most apt to bring on
drowsiness.
9. Never stop abruptly to put a bookmark. Try to pause at the end of chapters or at the end of a part
of the story. The breakage in link may drive you away from reading.
10. Don’t read too fast. Better to focus on comprehension first, and then gradually build up your
speed.
11. Don’t push yourself to read too long. If you get to where you’re reading and not actually
absorbing it, put the book down and go do something else.
12. Don't read books that are famous, read books that interest you as a person.
13. Don't keep your experience to yourself. Share about the book or things you liked with others.