A Chapter A Day: Tips to help you keep reading
This World Book Night we want to get people across the country involved in celebrating and sharing the joy of reading.
We know that it can be hard to avoid electronic distractions, even if you’re an experienced reader. From our survey conducted for World Book Night 2019, we know that many people would like to read more. Two thirds (66%) of those surveyed said they would spend more time reading if they spent less time scrolling on their smartphones.
We have launched A Chapter A Day, a campaign that encourages people across the UK to rebuild their reading habits. We’ve already given you some tips to get started on your reading journey, and now we have some more to help you build up your reading, to the point where you’re reading a chapter each day.
• Build your reading up gradually
Set yourself realistic goals for your reading and build up the pages you read over time. Don’t feel like you must go from zero to reading hero overnight! If you go gradually, trying to add a page or two more each day, you may find that by the end of the two weeks you’re reading a chapter a day, almost without noticing how far you have progressed.
• Using your phone to read
If you are tied to your smartphone, why not try e-books? There are plenty of e-reader apps for your smartphone if you don’t have a Kindle. Don’t be afraid of using your phone as a reading tool!
• Join a reading group
Talking about your latest read with a book group is a great way to discover interpretations of a book you might never have thought of before. Book groups are also good for forging new relationships around reading or bolstering existing ones. You can find a local reading group on our Reading Groups for Everyone site, or read our tips on how to set up your own.
• Try reading aloud
You can do this by yourself with a friend, partner or child. Reading aloud will encourage you to slow down the process of reading and really take pleasure in the story and words- it’s a great way to appreciate the language of a book as well as the story.
Dr Sam Duncan from the UCL Institute of Education is involved in researching the benefits of reading aloud. She says reading with others can bring “escapism, motivation and stimulation.”
• Pat yourself on the back
Wherever you are by the end of two weeks, whether you’re at a page, a few pages, a chapter a day or more, you should feel proud of your progress. The really great thing about reading is that the world of books is so rich and diverse, that once you’ve made a start you will never be bored. Let us know how your reading journey is going on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook – and share your tips to inspire other readers to stop scrolling and start reading! You can also leave reviews of your favourite books on our website.
