Lights,Camera, ACTION!

Spring Break is over! We are all back in our lovely dorms. The lady said, “Do yourself a favor and leave your books in your dorm!” The sea of bewildered stares attacked the lady & they swore to complete their homework during the break.

LADY, GUESS WHAT? I opened my books! I used them to fan myself during an unexpected rise of temperature in Chicago. (lie) Truth is: Not all my work got accomplished.

Family&Friends+TV+Homemade FOOD = DISTRACTION

TRUE STORY: FLASHCARDS SAVED MY BUTT

The Caveman era is over. FLASHCARDS are no longer used to wipe your ____. But, instead used to obtain a healthy relationship with your books. ME: I fall asleep while I read, I don’t understood the author’s main point or the organization the material is being presented. Flash Card Reading & My Poem Reads Dandy are reading strategies that can help you finish your reading assignments.

Flash Card Reading- Kinesthetic Learner

If you are assigned to write a paper this is the perfect match for you. Soon, I will be writing a paper on the book Believe You Can, which is full of quotes and other important information that can compliment my paper. Before, I would have a hard time remembering what page or where I read a certain quote or fact. Leading, to the time consuming act of rereading the entire passage. Using this strategy, I read the chapters in the book with a different angle. First: I have in mind, “I am reading to find useful information to support my paper.” Second: I skim through the headings and find five specific sections that relate to my paper’s topic. I quickly realize that the author’s order, in this case the info. is delivered in a sequential order. Third: I draw a star next to specific quotes using a purple pen. Fourth: I write the quote and page number were I can find the quote on one side of the flash card. I even rewrite the quote in my own words next to the original quote (not necessary). Fifth: After I finish the reading assignment, I write the topic the quote assimilates, in regards to my paper, on the reverse side of the flash card.

2. My Poem Reads Dandy - VISUAL LEARNER

I was amazed how quickly I finish reading the required material without finding myself distracted and/or bored. I usually fall asleep, start surfing the internet or read the entire assignment on one sit down. Using this strategy, I calculated the time it takes me to start wandering off: 45 minutes. By measuring my attention span, I will have better results by chunking my reading assignment. I found it valuable to be aware that after 45 minute of reading non-stop I am no longer focused on the material. First: I measured my attention span, which is 45 minutes; approximately 15 pages of my book Believe you Can. How did I do this? I used the stop watch on my IPOD. Second: I divided the reading assignment into logical chunks. Three chunks: 15 pages each. Third: I `used the chunks to the time and breaks between my chunks, if I choose to complete more than one chunk a day. (I had a 15 minute break between each chunk, since I had time on my hands to complete all three chunks.) Fourth: I took a quick glimpse of the chapters I was assigned to read. I skimmed the headings of the book and found it useful to have a preview of what I would be reading more in depth. Some books provide text aids, like a chapter outline, objectives or/and summaries. These can come in handy when previewing a chapter. Fifth: As I read the chapters in chunks, I jotted down notes on the sides of the pages. I usually highlight and I don’t leave a keyword or a small summary in my own wording that will help me understand the author. Now, I leave my footprint behind. Sixth: With the notations you made on the pages, create a graphic organizer. This will provide a visual aid to help you recall the information you read.

Take Action NOW.

“Life is like a taxi; the meter keeps a-tick whether you’re getting somewhere or standing still.”

- Lou Erickson

Blog Created In: Chicago, IL; Cleveland, OH and Buffalo, NY.