APU Careers & Learning Editor's Pick Online Learning

Reading IS Important, So Start Your Own Movement!

A common complaint with the non-writer’s in the student population is of course, writing. After that, students complain about how much they have to read. For the Cliff Notes readers out there, the higher you go in your education the more reading you’ll have to do; so it’s time to get used to it, and enjoy it!

How can you enjoy the act of reading, without falling asleep during? First of all you need to be an active reader. Take notes as you go along, conceptualize the content and create your own examples as it relates to the work you’re doing in class. Creating practical examples gets you more engaged in the topic, and encourages you to keep flipping the page.

Now think of the bigger picture. There are so many literary campaigns right now set on educating our youth, and even adults with learning disabilities. Even grassroots campaigns are making their way into the mainstream. For example, “All Hallows Read” is the brain child of author Neil Gaiman. The program is simple, give out a scary age appropriate book to your trick-or-treaters instead of candy! Some books may be more expensive than candy, but you can always sift through the free books bin at your local used book store, or the bargain section of a major book retailer. It’s a fun way to encourage your neighbors to read more, and the best way to do that first is through topics in their area of interest.

Besides just treating your neighbors to books, you can start a book exchange where you work, or in your community. Clean out the books you’ve read and enjoyed, and share with others. If you have school books that are no longer relevant, or you don’t need as a reference share those with a local school. Teachers are always looking for new materials to gleam ideas for their curriculum. You can also share your favorite books through Facebook with friends. Just like restaurant reviews your friends and colleagues are looking for referrals, include a book review in the form of a typical Yelp review. Use your influence to encourage others to read. Being literate is a necessity, and reading doesn’t have to be a chore. If you love to read, tell others why. I believe there’s a book for everyone, you just have to push through some of the more tedious titles to get to your passion for reading.

By J. Mason
Online Learning Tips Editor

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