Focus

[bellatrix317]

i have a very hard time focusing when it comes time to do my reading. i always get distracted by something or fall asleep.
Any tips?

[bebeswe3tz]

Hey there Bella,

I also have this problem...but, you should try to have some faint music in the background or if that doesn't help then try to think of the reading assignment as a story book of fairytales...

Otherwise, you can always start a lil reading group with friends...somewhat of a study group, but you guys can take turns reading aloud! it can be loads of fun and helpful!!!

If that doesn't work, I can try to tell you more of how I get over my distractions! :D

GOOD LUCK, BELLA! hope to hear from you soon! :p

[bellatrix317]

the story book thing sounds like a really good idea!

my friends and i tried the study group thing, but we could never find time or we ended up not studying....:)

oh well.

[bebeswe3tz]

awww...i had the problem at first too...hehe...me and my friends would get into a study group and end up going out to eat or getting into deep conversations about life!! :rolleyes:

hahaha...it was really funny...but yeah, i tried to read books as if they were fairy tale novels and it really helped me, EVEN FOR HISTORY!! :D

if that doesn't help you should go to your teacher and ask them on what they would want you to focus more on...and take small breaks during the read sessions..i did that with AP Euro last year, and my teacher became the best of friends with me and my best friend after one or two times...WE GOT FREE FOOD AND CANDY!!! haha...;) ..that's a good deal.

well..that was off task...haha...good luck though! tell me if you need more info!
feel free to email me if you have long questions that you want to have answered right away..and i'll get back to you there too, ok?

swtbebe2006@yahoo.com

[pianogirl2422]

*cough*ignore date*cough*

I know I'm a little late, but if music doesn't help you then here are a few more tips:


Get psyched - get excited about reading before you start and you'll find it's easier to keep going. Starting anything with that "here we go again...." attitude is never a good way to start things out.
Try eating - binging on cookies isn't a good idea, but if you get a nice healthy snack to munch on while you read you might find that it's easier to concentrate. Vegetables like celery sticks or carrots are always nice. I personally prefer sunflower seeds...
Reward yourself - The reward system has worked for many people. Read a section or two and get a 5 minute break or a piece of candy after every 30 minutes
Invisible Audience - While it may be hard to make a study group, invisible audiences are everywhere and anywhere. Read aloud like you're reading to somewhere, or you could even read to your teddy bear. Don't worry, they won't tell anyone...
Break it down - instead of planning to read the chapter all in one day, break it down so you only have to read a few pages a day. That way it doesn't overwhelm you and it takes up less time each day. You could even make it part of your daily routine - set aside time before bed and make it part of your nighttime routine or do it immediately after school.


So there are some tips. And breaks are always a good idea, after too much of one thing your brain may stop paying attention.

[juicebox]

Usually, I read aloud to myself, because it makes it more interesting and I practice my reading-out-loud skills.
And, like bebe said, you can always make it like a story; I do that at well.
For example: "Britain was like, so pissed because the Americans were all 'We don't owe you anything anymore!' and Britain was all 'You (beeping) colonists came from us, so you need to serve us.'"

Just an example. =) It may make you sound crazy, but it's a good way to help you concentrate.
Also make sure you get enough sleep, if that's a problem. Often times people just collapse on top of their history books not only from boredom, but from lack of sleep.

Oh oh! And another good idea is to exercise before you start reading. Exercising really jump-starts your brain into gear. Good luck.