Colleen Kadowaki
Molyneaux
English-B
15 April 2015

Reading Article Reflection

In the article "Performative Literacy" by Sheridan Blau, it describes the different types of literacies and how to strengthen these techniques in our everyday reading. Reading this article and completing the self-evaluation made me take a look at my own reading habits and compare them with those of competent readers. After this comparison, I noticed that when I can recognize when I do not comprehend a passage, sometimes I go back and reread the passage, but I do not always take the steps I should to go back and fully understand the reading. Usually I rely on discussions and the study guides to completely understand. Usually I like to use strategies like annotating and finding the main point. These strategies seem to work and they help keep me focused on what I am reading. From these documents, I think that trying to challenge the text and try to use the information I have to make predictions would benefit my reading.

            Different texts or subjects do affect the way I read. For example, when reading an assignment out of a history book, it’s difficult to focus and usually I have to reread it a few times before I comprehend the material. On the other hand, when I am reading a book or novel, it is easier for me to focus because I can try to relate to the character and see the story from their perspective. I consider myself a good reader that still needs improvement in areas because for the most part, I am able to understand what I am reading even if it means I have to reread it a few times.

            Annotating was not new to me this year because we annotated every book we read last year. I find that I annotate a lot in the beginning and sometimes it decreases as the book goes on, so that is something I can work on. I don’t mind annotating because it helps keep me focused. This made my reading experience better because I didn’t have to reread as much as I usually do. I will continue to try and annotate my books because it can help me with future essays and readings.