Textbooks: Reading

Textbooks: ReadingSQ3R

External and Internal Distractions

Tips for Worriers

How to Read a Textbook

First step: survey or preview

Begin by learning what you can from the

1. Title Page

2. Table of Contents

3. Preface or Introduction to the student

4. Glossary - an alphabetical list of terms

5. Index- subjects in alphabetical order at the back of the book

6. Appendix- supplemental material.


SQ3R1. Survey

2. Question

3. Read

4. Recite

5. Review


SQ3RStep 1 Survey. Survey = Preview

which gives you a “big picture”

before you dive into the chapter, spend a few minutes reading headings and subheadings, introdutions, and summaries. Look at the pictures and graphs, and read the study questions that follow. Read the study questions before you begin reading - it tells you what to read for! Make mental notes of vocabulary words.


SQ3RStep 2 QuestionTurn chapter headings and subheadings into questions as you read. Your busy left brain (the language side) naturally wants to answer the question because it’s the problem-solving part of your brain.

This step helps you focus and indentify main ideas.

If there is no subheading then turn the first sentance into a question.

Write the questions into the margins of the textbook


SQ3RStep 3 ReadKeep the questions in your mind as you read. Underline the answers to questions, main ideas, etc. Think abou what you are reading and try to connect to new ideas to ones that you already know.

Become an active reader.


SQ3RStep 4 ReciteTalk about the material.

After reading the material, look away from the text and try to recite the material in our own words. - Use the Cornell methods and recite.

This moves the information to your long-term memory.


SQ3RStep 5 ReviewBegin reviewing immediately, and continue to review throughout the term. Write summaries of hte information in the chapter. Create flash cards, outlines, mind maps.


Additional TipsAlways read with pen or pencil in your hand. Subconscious

mind knows that when you pick up a pen, your are ready for serious reading

Look for main ideas that are often the first sentance of a paragraph.

Review often.

Read other sources related to the material

Pretend you are having discussions with the author

•Without looking, recite the information you have in your summaries

If the material is difficult to understand, read it out loud. Hearing the material helps your understand it.


You practice

Remember SQ3R.....

make sure you highlight, circle main ideas, etc.

turn in for credit.

Eliminating Internal and External Distractions• External distractions - thngs that happen

in your environment or “outside of yourself.” Such as.... ? How could you change those?

• Internal distractiosn - come from within. Examples are feeling tired from lack of sleep, experiencing hunger, etc. How could you change these?

•NOW: make a list of your own distractions and how you might change them. 2 externals. 2 internals.

Tips for Worriers•Talk to someone about your problems or

concerns. Talking can offer short-term relief.

•Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.

•Trick: (silly but it works) nagging thoughts are like little children who always want your attention. Pick a time and set it aside specifically for worrying. Take 5 minutes and worry about everything! Consciously worry but only one time per day. Try this and you will be surprised how well it works.

Tips for Worriers•How important is the topic about

which you are worrying? At that moment choose to think about something positive in your life

•Write down your problem or worry on a piece of paper. Then write down the first feelings that you have. Then throw away the paper - you are symbolically letting go of the problem

Tips for Worriers• Write down your problem or worry on a piece of

paper. Then write down the first feelings that you have.

• Then when I say “NOW” and only then - you can throw your worries away!

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Textbooks: Reading