Reading

Strengthen your reading skills and improve your test scores.

You've heard it many times before — read, read, read. But it's true. Reading is a critical skill that can make an impact on your learning for years to come.

Develop a daily reading plan

As you plan each day, be sure to include time for reading. Although you may feel that you don't have much time to spare, 15 or 30 minutes a day can make a difference. Every little bit helps!

Consistent reading time can increase your reading skills, reading speed, and vocabulary. These abilities are valuable not only with academics, but also with future college entrance tests, such as the ACT and the SAT.

Ask your English teacher to suggest books related to your interest

Whether you like sports, animals, science, or some other topic, your teacher can help you find a good book. Some books even contain reading lists for middle school students. You can also check with your school librarian, community library, or local bookstore.

There are also many reading lists available online. Education-World.com's Web site provides an overview of links to recommended reading lists:

Education World — Summer Reading Lists

Keep a journal of new vocabulary words

A new word journal can also help you increase your vocabulary and your writing skills. Use online dictionary sites to look up definitions of new words. These sites also feature a new word of the day and fun word games.

Remember

Reading is central to most learning situations. By making reading a habit you can lay the foundation for learning for the rest of your life.