Skilled readers don't process each letter individually. They recognize word shapes and patterns.
The meaning of a word is deeply influenced by the surrounding words and sentences. A word in isolation can have multiple meanings.
Our brains anticipate upcoming words, using grammar, context, and our existing knowledge to increase reading speed and comprehension.
Efficient readers sample text, focusing on key words and structures rather than attempting to process every single word.
Focusing on smooth, flowing reading is more important for comprehension than fixating on perfect pronunciation of every word.
The more you know about a topic, the easier and faster it is to read related texts.
We adjust our reading strategies based on why we're reading--skimming for the gist vs. reading for deep analysis.
The subvocalization (inner voice) we hear as we read can be helpful, but it can also slow us down unnecessarily.
Skilled readers jump around, re-read sections, refer to headings, etc. They don't progress in a perfect straight line
Blaming a reader for "slow reading" is unhelpful. They need strategies to leverage their strengths, not remediation focused on weak areas.