The Art of Reading – How to be an Attentive Reader

Written by: The Story of Sprout

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Time to read 3 min

Introduction

Do you have a habit of reading books but are stuck at reading more efficiently and comprehensively? Relax, you’re not alone as the art of reading is something which anyone can learn. 


According to neuroscience experts, people really don’t pay attention while reading material. One of the primary reasons for lack of attention is mental roadblocks. It, in turn, makes the reading difficult and diverts you from the focus point. 


However, you can significantly improve your attention if you learn the art of reading. But is it that easy? Let’s find out the answer by discussing some effective reading tips below. 

Why is it Essential to Master the Art of Reading?

Embarking on the exploration of strategies to master the art of reading necessitates a foundational understanding of attentive reading and its inherent significance. Attentive reading is not merely a passive absorption of written content; rather, it constitutes an active engagement with the material, marked by a profound sense of passion and involvement. In this mode, the reader goes beyond surface-level comprehension, actively delving into the intricacies of the text to discern its underlying concepts and themes. This proactive approach transforms reading from a mundane task into a dynamic process of exploration, allowing the reader to extract richer meaning and insights from the written word.


The vitality of attentive reading lies in its ability to foster a more profound connection between the reader and the material. By encouraging a focused and participatory mindset, attentive reading transforms the act of reading into a holistic experience that transcends mere information consumption. This deliberate and immersive engagement with the text not only enhances comprehension but also cultivates a heightened appreciation for the nuances of language, structure, and content. In essence, mastering the art of reading entails embracing the practice of attentive reading as a gateway to unlocking the full potential of one's cognitive and interpretive faculties.


Besides this, here are some advantages of efficient reading: 

  • You get familiar with the writing style and delivery of the author
  • It increases your thinking ability and improves focus
  • You can learn multiple things in a short context 
     

3 Ways to Become an Attentive Reader

Now that you’ve acknowledged why reading effectively is important. Still, one question will pop up: how to actively read content. The process is pretty smooth if you follow the tips mentioned below. Let’s have a look at them one by one: 

1. Create a Reading Environment

Your reading space makes a significant impact in improving your reading. To ensure a perfect reading environment:

  • Remove all the clutter from your desk.
  • Put aside unnecessary items.
  • Even better, turn off your mobile pop-ups and all other notifications.

It’s scientifically proven that people’s attention span is becoming shorter and shorter. Thus, a single notification or message beep can distract your focus. 

2. Make a Schedule

The next helpful tip is to follow a fixed time whenever you have to read something. This is because our subconscious mind automatically learns to prepare for the task we do with a proper schedule. Therefore, train your brain to read at the set time. Moreover, it’s also a great idea to make a reading list. In the list, you can add your favorite books or readable material and plan the reading schedule accordingly.  

3. Quality Over Quantity

A common yet most effective tip is to focus on the quality, not the reading quantity. This means that you should read to comprehend things instead of just finishing the text. It does not matter if you have read only one book per month unless you read it with a clear understanding.


That said, don’t read just for the sake of reading. Plus, if you don’t feel like reading a book, the best thing is to skip it so as not to force your mind and heart on undesirable material. 

Conclusion

Bottom Line

To wrap it up, an attentive reader is good at understanding things described in the text. When you have a goal of reading with deep focus, you alternatively read more effectively. Whether it’s a newspaper article, a blog, or a book, you can become a pro reader if you learn the art of reading. Not only this, but you will also learn to differentiate the writing methods of different authors. This, in turn, improves your observational and critical thinking abilities. 


Moreover, if you’re obsessed with storybook reading or love such book formats, Sprout is a must-read for you. The story of Sprout revolves around the journey of self-discovery and knowledge. The theme and graphics are perfectly crafted to engage the readers, so you indulge in the storyline and forget distractions. Now, what are you waiting for? Add it to your reading list by ordering it from Amazon, Noble, or Barnes.