Talha Bin Tayyab 
The “5 R’s” are a strategy used to improve reading comprehension and retention, often associated with structured study methods. They include: Read, Recite, Review, Reflect, and Relate. First, “Read” the section actively, looking for key ideas. Second, “Recite” the main points aloud or write them down in your own words to reinforce memory. Third, “Review” … Read more
The five pillars of reading are essential for developing literacy and understanding. First is phonemic awareness, the ability to hear and manipulate individual sounds in spoken words. Second is phonics, which connects those specific sounds to written letters and patterns. Third is fluency, the ability to read text accurately, quickly, and with proper expression, which … Read more
Training yourself to start reading requires building a sustainable habit rather than forcing intense study sessions. Start by choosing books that genuinely interest you, even if they aren’t considered “classics.” Graphic novels, thrillers, or audiobooks are excellent entry points for beginners. Set a very low bar for success, such as reading just five pages or … Read more
The 20 hour rule, popularized by author Josh Kaufman, suggests that you can go from knowing nothing about a specific skill to being reasonably competent in just twenty hours of focused practice. This challenges the “10,000-hour rule,” which focuses on world-class mastery. To succeed, you must deconstruct the skill into smaller, manageable parts and identify … Read more
The idea that Gen Z doesn’t read is largely a misconception; they simply consume text differently. While traditional print book consumption has shifted, this generation consumes vast amounts of written content through digital platforms, social media, and fan fiction. However, certain factors do challenge long-form reading. The “attention economy” plays a major role, as short-form … Read more
Teaching yourself to read as an adult starts with mastering phonics the relationship between letters and their sounds. Begin by learning the alphabet and the specific sounds each letter makes, including common blends like “sh” or “th.” Use resources designed for adult learners to avoid discouragement. Practice “sight words,” which are common words like “the” … Read more
As someone who deeply values how important love is to our lives, I’ve often found that three small words aren’t enough to capture the depth and meaning of a relationship. Even as a Pisces, I get a big bit panicky when it comes to the opportunity to find and write a meaningful Valentine’s Day card. … Read more
To understand the hows and whys of Young Adult history, we tease out the emergence of the teenager. In pre-industrial societies, a person was considered an adult at puberty through rites of passage, where kids took on roles as mothers or fathers for younger siblings. The Industrial Revolution caused an expectations shift for factory children, … Read more
I know what it’s like: sometimes you finish a book and you just don’t know what to read next. Maybe you’re feeling a bit lost, or perhaps your imagination just needs a serious jolt. That’s why I’ve put this list together! In honor of April Fool’s day this week’s theme is truly Books You’d be … Read more
When I look at the challenges facing the world from achieving the United Nations’ Global Goals by 2030 to the fight to end extreme poverty it’s clear that good leaders are a necessary component of an ever-improving global community. Leaders around the world are working to achieve these aims. They are taking action because we … Read more
