If you’re late to the conversation, let me get you up to speed (translation: fill you in, catch you up).
So far we’ve learned:
- sleep is critical (very important) for learning, memory, motivation and energy (all good things for your English)
- reading fiction before bed / in bed relaxes you
- Why not read an English novel before bed?
And now, today’s lesson…
If Your Novel Is Not Relaxing You’re Not Doing It Right
First of all, read something easy.
I don’t know what’s easy for you, but do a search for “graded reader” and you’ll see lots of options for lots of levels.
Second of all, don’t use a dictionary!
Sure, look up a word or two now and then.
But don’t look up every word!
How tedious!
How dull!
This isn’t school and there will not be a test.
Instead, you want to enjoy the story.
You want to get lost in the story.
You want to forget you’re reading in a foreign language.
Here’s Dr. Ruth (an American celebrity) agreeing with me:
“When I came to America I didn’t speak English. So I read romance novels to learn. I wanted to find out how they ended so I always finished them.”
-Dr. Ruth
from the documentary Ask Dr. Ruth
Thank you for your advices!
You are welcome!
Okay. Thanks Ryan! I want to follow this advice. It might work for me.
May problem is how to stay awake.
Excelentní advices.
I couldn’t agree with you more. I read a novel these nights and I have learned so many new words without dictionary and so many phrases
You are right Ryan. I’m definitely wrong with my tedious reading in English. Of course, I will still continue to look up a word or two now and then, but I will mostly enjoy the story.
Thank you.
On one hand, you could start using sleep medications, which might help someone fall asleep more easily. On the other hand, you could try natural solutions like avoiding caffeine in the afternoon and creating a relaxing bedtime routine. While medication could provide a quick fix, it could also come with side effects. In comparison, the natural method might take longer to work but would likely have fewer risks.
GOOD ADVICE
Sometimes is difficult to understand a story if you don’t check words in a dictionary.
Thank for these advices Ryan, for sure they will help me a lot. 💛 📚