Reading is fundamental. This old adage has been around since the dawn of education. And it is true. While the emphasis on reading remains constant in classrooms, many teachers have a narrow definition of quality reading time. But not all students feel equally passionate about launching into a novel. There is room to expand that definition to include new forms of reading. Here are four alternative ways to incorporate reading into your life, regardless of your free time or genre preferences.
1. Utilize Digital Reading Tools
Hate carrying around heavy books? Download the Kindle app on your smartphone device. You can purchase books and keep them on hand to read whenever the urge strikes. You can also purchase an e-reader like the Kindle or Nook. These devices allow you to carry multiple books with you, without the heavy burden. Particularly for high school and college students with ample textbooks, this method lightens their book bag and makes reading more convenient.
2. Find an Aggregated news Source
Not into fiction? Get your nonfiction fix by using an aggregated news source. Combine all your major news subscriptions into one place with tools like the Apple News app, Inoreader etc. No more toggling between the New York Times application and BuzzFeed News. Enjoy having reputable, credible nonfiction in one single location. Skip the clickbait headlines and build a reading log you can rely upon.
3. Podcasts and Audiobooks
Let’s face it–reading can be arduous or inaccessible. Whether the issue is that you’re often driving or even that you suffer from dyslexia, sometimes life simply does not afford us the luxury of staring at pages for hours on end. Audiobooks and podcasts provide quality alternatives. The amount of material available is truly astonishing. There is no decrease in selection or cost, either. Many podcasts are available free of charge, and can be streamed via bluetooth or downloaded on the go. If you’re craving a way to read more books in your spare time, but cannot get on board with visual reading, definitely give this a try!
4. Blogs
Can’t find a book that interests you? Tired of reading long-form pieces? The caliber of blog content is unparalleled nowadays. You can read about virtually any topic, with just the click of a button. Find a few bloggers who create quality, regular content and subscribe. Swap chapters of book reading for swiping through engaging posts. Just be sure to find blogs that have valuable production quality and strong language skills to ensure that you continue to grow.
