Maryanne Wolf, an expert in the science of reading, discusses the challenges of modern reading habits, emphasizing the importance of creating a distraction-free environment for deep reading. She highlights the benefits of engaging with print over digital screens for enhanced comprehension and memory retention, encouraging listeners to slow down, take notes, and immerse themselves in the text.
Practice deep reading to surpass the author's wisdom and uncover personal insights.
Reduce distractions by opting for paper books and create a conducive reading environment.
Allocate dedicated time each day for deep reading to enhance immersion and joy in reading experiences.
Deep dives
Deep Reading is a Learned Skill
Reading deeply is a skill that humans aren't inherently born with, as it requires creating new circuits in the brain to comprehend text beyond surface level. Marianne Wolf, a reading expert, emphasizes that deep reading allows readers to delve into their own insights and reflections, surpassing the author's wisdom to uncover personal discoveries in a space she calls home or sanctuary.
Minimizing Distractions Enhances Deep Reading
Distractions like skimming due to screen usage hinder deep reading, as they prevent readers from engaging fully with the text. Wolf suggests reducing distractions by opting for paper books instead of screens for profound reading experiences. By creating a conducive reading environment that minimizes interruptions, individuals can enhance their deep reading capabilities.
Practice and Discipline for Deep Reading
Deep reading requires discipline and practice, with Wolf recommending allocating dedicated time each day to engage in profound reading sessions. By committing even a short period each day to focused reading, individuals can enhance their ability to immerse themselves in the text, rediscovering the joy and richness of deep reading experiences.
Reading at Individual Paces and Retaining Information
Tailoring reading speeds to match the book's demands and individual comfort levels is crucial for successful deep reading. Wolf highlights the importance of reading techniques that enhance memory retention, such as taking notes while reading to solidify understanding and recall important insights or feelings from the text.
Writing Aids Memory and Comprehension
Jotting down notes and reflections during reading, whether in the book's margins or a separate notebook, can significantly aid memory retention and deepen comprehension. By engaging in writing practices while reading, individuals can trigger motor skills that reinforce understanding and facilitate meaningful interaction with the text.
Embracing Deep Reading for Personal Growth
Embracing deep reading not only enriches the understanding of the author's ideas but also serves as a pathway to self-discovery and appreciation. Through deep reading experiences, individuals have the opportunity to explore their inner thoughts, delve into profound reflections, and step beyond the confines of their everyday lives for personal and intellectual growth.
When was the last time you got lost in a book? These days, the act of 'deep reading,' or reading with intention, can be difficult to practice. Maryanne Wolf, an expert in the science of reading, explains what we lose when we skim — and how to create an environment conducive to deep reading.