In addition to knowing the reading process, it’s also helpful to be aware of some of the common ways readers get stuck and the strategies they use to get unstuck. Knowing these will reduce your chances of getting stuck and help you when you are. Some readers review these strategies before they begin reading and even keep a list of the ones they find most helpful next to them as they read. If you get stuck frequently, you might want to consider doing the same.
You don’t hear a reciting voice
Try reading the text out loud to yourself. If you are still having problems, you can follow along with your finger or underline the text as you read. If none of these methods work, revisit your reading plan. You may need to change the environment or address some other concern, like feeding a hungry stomach.
You don’t hear an interacting voice
Ask yourself what stood out and why? If nothing stands out, ask yourself ‘do I understand what’s happening.’ If neither of these questions work, try applying one of the reading strategies from the chart at the end of this chapter.
You stop visualizing
When you stop visualizing, chances are you stopped understanding what’s happening. If the images in your mind are unclear, then either your reciting or interacting voice isn’t working, the text includes too many unfamiliar words or it makes references to something you don’t know. Be sure to look up words you don’t know and reread the parts of the text where you stopped seeing images. If it’s a reference to someone or something like a famous figure, place or event, do a little research. You might even look up some images of the reference.
Your mind begins to wander
Every reader’s mind wanders from time to time. If this happens frequently or for too long, you might find yourself stuck. Check your reading plan and make sure the timing and environment are suitable. If you’re bored, try reading the text out loud to yourself and/or taking notes about what happens. This will not only keep you from getting bored, but it will also help you remember more. Another thing to keep in mind is to make sure your interacting voice isn’t becoming a distracting voice. While making connections between your life experiences is important and can sometimes allow you to discover deeper meaning in a text, thinking about those experiences outside the text for too long and interfere with your understanding of the reading.
You can’t remember what you just read
If you find yourself unable to remember something you just read, try rereading the section out loud and taking notes. Be sure to write down information about people, places, things and events you encounter. You can make a character chart, a map of the events or even make a quick sketch of the setting.
These strategies have been adopted and modified from Tolvani, Cris. I Read It, but I Don’t Get It: Comprehension Strategies for Adolescent Readers. Stenhouse Publishers: New York, 2000.