Q&A for How to Make a Habit of Reading

Create a set time for reading each day, based on when your teenager is most likely to read. For instance, if they like reading during their down time, you might set up a time right after they finish their homework.

You can increase the speed of your reading with regular practice. For example, set a timer and see how long it takes you to finish one page from a book. Then, each day after that, try to beat that score as you continue to read. Over time, you should see a natural increase in your speed.

Take small breaks. Every half hour or so, get up and walk around, stretch, maybe have a healthy snack. Then get back to work. This will be easier to accomplish if you study during the day instead of at night.

Make a record of your books! If you need to remember specific parts of your books, keep a notebook where you summarize the books as you read them.

Try to really focus while you read. Go to a quiet place. You could also play soft music, but that might take your concentration from the book. You could also get a really exciting book, so you want to read and see what will happen.

Obviously you can't just begin to study in one day. The habit develops over time. For example, try studying for 1 hour after getting back from school, and then you may increase this time based on your schedule and how much you have to study. Turn off your phone while studying, and most importantly, sit somewhere where you'll be unbothered.

You could try reading fast and just looking over each page to get the main idea. Then, since you may not have gathered some key details, this will "force" you to look back and read. This way, you will completely understand what you are reading.