Developing Critical Reading Skills. Why is it Imperative to Student Success?

Developing Critical reading skills are essential for a student’s success in any english or language arts class. This skill will carry them all throughout college and high school. But what is critical reading? Critical reading is looking beyond the surface of the text. A student can not just skim the text to read critically. They must look at the deep meanings such as consistency, tone, and voice. But how can a student become a critical reader? There are steps that a student can take to improve this very important skill.

Authors write for specific audiences, by having the student put themselves in a place where they can become a part of the target audience it will help them discover the author’s purpose. To do this learn about the author’s background and read the instructions or notes that might be included.

Critical readers seek knowledge and do not shut down when a book is not exciting or challenges them. Have a student read with an open mind, and have them allow the author to develop their ideas. A critical reader approaches the text with an objective attitude.

The author chose the title of their work for a reason. Have the student reflect and remember the title as they go through the book. The title may provide clues to the author’s tone, purpose, and approach.

Many students might want to rush through reading books, especially if it is not interesting to them. But students may miss important details when they are speed reading. Have the student read the book slowly. This will allow the student to make more connections and see more details in the text.

Although it may seem obvious, have the student take down notes in the margins or underline important points in the book for them to remember later. Not everything needs to be noted though. Have the student take notes on main ideas, consistent themes, and main events and points. Writing while reading helps the student remember what they are reading for later assessments or essays that the teacher may require.

Taking notes can also extend to keeping a reading journal. This is where a student can not just record what was in their book, but their thoughts as well. This writing while reading helps improve critical reading skills.

Critical reading skills involve logical thinking. Identifying the author’s purpose is a good starting point but a student must be able to identify the ways in which the author constantly supports their claim throughout the work in order to really be good readers and by extinction good writers.

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