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THE MECHANICS OF
READING
Skillful reading requires:
| • |
A minimum number
of fixations to the line of type. |
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Wide eye span
which encompass phrases and thought sequence rather than isolated
words. |
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A complete
absence of lip movements and vocalization. |
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Infrequent
regressions. |
Eye Movements:
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Move the eyes
consistently forward, regularly, and rhythmically-- pick up groups
of words rather than isolated words. |
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Practice quick
and rhythmic return from the end of the line to the beginning of
the next. |
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Practice looking
down quickly at a line of print, lifting your eyes, and checking
to see how many words you saw in this fixation. Do this until you
are actually aware of a broadened span. |
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Cover the print
of a single line with a plain white card. By moving the card downward,
expose the line, cover it up, expose it, cover it up, etc. Do this
until you are aware of seeing more words at a glance. |
| • |
Practice reading
a column of newsprint, restricting yourself to only two fixations
per line. |
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Keep in mind
that the length of fixation and span is determined by the type of
material you are reading. |
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Watch for signs
of fatigue: twitching muscles, burning sensations in the eyelids,
fading, or blurring of print. Look away from your reading often
and give momentary rest to your eyes. |
Vocalization:
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Place the forefinger
on your lips and your thumb and other fingers on your larynx. |
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Practice reading
with your mouth tightly closed; attempt to restrict movement of
the larynx, tongue, and lips. |
| • |
Check to see
whether you are actually "hearing" words as you read; this is another
form of vocalization which can be eliminated only through determination
to use only your eyes and the meaning centers of your brain. |
Regressions:
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Regressions
often occur because you are attempting to take such long spans that
you miss essential words and relationships. If this is noticeable
in your reading, shorten the span. |
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Practice
covering all of the material which you have just read with a plain
card. This will not permit you to regress and will force you to
concentrate on essential words and essential relationships in the
sentence or paragraph. |
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Read so fast,
in easy materials, that there is no time for regressions. |
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Recognize
the fact, at all times, that some regression is necessary to establish
relationships within the selection which you are reading. |
HABITS OF A LIFETIME
ARE NOT EASY TO ELIMINATE. THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW SKILLS IS OFTEN PAINFUL
AND REQUIRES CONSTANT ATTENTION, DETERMINATION, AND FREQUENT PRACTICE.
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Practice!
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Practice!
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Practice!
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College Reading
Skills Program.
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Return to TECHNIQUES FOR SKILLFUL READING
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