Reading Skills

A lot of students are worried about being asked to read aloud in class - even Drama students!

Outside of the performing arts subjects, it's not very common to be asked to read aloud in an A level or BTEC class these days. But that doesn't mean that it won't ever happen, or that reading aloud should be avoided at all costs!

There are some benefits to reading aloud, especially if you are an auditory learner or you struggle with reading. Listening is a different skill to reading; it can help you to process and comprehend a text in a more active way as well as introduce you to new vocabulary.

But listening is one thing; doing the reading yourself can be quite another! So what should you do if you are asked to read out loud in class? Here are our tips:

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• Reading aloud is all about confidence, and confidence only grows as you do. Practice reading aloud to yourself sometimes, particularly with difficult texts you may have to read for homework or revision. If you notice you weren't listening to yourself, then you need to start again - maybe even shout at yourself until you pay attention! Try out different voices or tones for the fun of it.
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• If you know you struggle with reading generally, you may want to mention this to your teachers so that they are aware that you may need more time to read through texts, and that reading aloud might be a difficult process for you. 
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• Before reading anything out loud, you can ask for the time to prepare. Read through the text in your head a few times to familiarise yourself with it. If there are any words you don't know how to pronounce, try asking someone, such as your teacher, before you start reading.
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• Take your time over the reading. Breathe and stay calm. 
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• Don't worry about making mistakes! Mistakes are how we learn and improve. There are a few great mistakes that even changed the world (click the image for a bigger view)! So if you make a mistake on a word, stop, breathe, correct yourself and move on. Ignore any laughter; although if you do make an amusing mistake, don't be afraid to join in on the joke - this stops you from feeling like the target of the laughter and allows you to enjoy it too, just as you would if someone else had been reading. 

• It's important to learn to take feedback in a positive way. If a teacher or fellow student corrects a mispronunciation or points out that you've missed a bit, just take a deep breath, smile, or say thank you, and carry on. If criticism is meant in a positive way, you should take it so.
  If, however, you notice people reacting negatively and unkindly to your reading skills, try not to let them upset you. You will come across some people at college who are not as mature or considerate as you, but you don't need to worry about their opinions so long as you are trying your best.
  If anyone persists in making you feel bad, tell a teacher about it as soon as possible (this is important, as bullying should never be tolerated). 

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Although you may not want to read aloud in class, reading out loud is a transferable skill which links to other class and real-world activities, such as giving presentations, taking part in group work, giving instructions, role-playing, learning a foreign language, etc. It's important to work on reducing your anxiety about standing up in front of others and building your confidence up until you feel you could do it whenever you're asked...