What Makes a Good Reader? How To Develop Reading Skills

by : Ms Aulia

Reading is one of the most fundamental academic and life skills. It is not just about pronouncing words correctly, it is about constructing meaning, interpreting ideas, and interacting with the text. Research shows that successful readers combine several abilities: automatic word recognition, comprehension strategies, motivation, and critical thinking (Pressley et al., 1992). Understanding what makes a good reader helps educators, parents, and students themselves know how to improve reading skills. Reading is one of the most important skills a person can have. It is not only a way to gain information, but also a tool for imagination, communication, and lifelong learning. However, being able to read words is not the same as being a good reader. A good reader goes beyond recognizing letters and sentences, they understand, connect, and reflect on what they read. They also enjoy exploring different kinds of books and are curious to learn more.

Research shows that a good reader is not only accurate and fluent in word recognition but also active in constructing meaning. According to Pressley, Stanovich, & Johnson (1992), good readers engage in comprehension-monitoring strategies such as predicting, questioning, and summarizing. They use their background knowledge to connect ideas (Anderson & Freebody, 1981) and show motivation and curiosity toward texts (Guthrie & Wigfield, 2000). In short, a good reader combines fluency, comprehension, critical thinking, and motivation.

A good reader is not just someone who can say the words on a page correctly. A good reader:

1. Reads fluently – They recognize words quickly and accurately so they can focus on meaning, not just decoding.

2. Understands the text – They comprehend the main idea, details, and deeper meaning of what they read.

3. Think critically – They question the text, make predictions, and draw conclusions.

4. Connects ideas – They link what they read to their own experiences and prior knowledge.

5. Uses strategies – They summarize, visualize, ask questions, or reread when something is unclear.

6. Enjoys and values reading – They are motivated, curious, and see reading as a way to learn and explore.

   
   

How to develop reading skills?

Reading is a very important skill, but becoming a good reader does not happen overnight. Just like playing a sport or learning a musical instrument, reading takes practice, patience, and the right strategies. Here are some simple and practical ways you can develop your reading skills:

1. Read every day.

The best way to become better at reading is to read often. Even if you only read for 10–15 minutes a day, it helps you become more fluent and comfortable with words. The more you read, the easier it becomes. Try making reading a daily habit, like before bedtime or after school.

2. Learn new words.

Good readers always try to grow their vocabulary. When you see a new word, don’t skip it—try to find out what it means. You can ask someone, check the dictionary, or guess from the sentence. Learning new words makes reading easier and more enjoyable because you can understand more.

3. Ask questions while reading.

Don’t just read the words—think about them! Ask yourself questions like: “What is happening here? Why did the character do that? What might happen next?” This helps you stay active and focused. Good readers don’t just accept information; they think and wonder about it.

4. Summarize and retell.

After reading a story or an article, try to tell the main idea in your own words. You can even explain it to a friend or family member. Retelling helps you remember the important parts and makes sure you really understood the text.

5. Try different kinds of texts

Don’t limit yourself to just one type of book. Explore stories, poems, comics, news articles, or even science books. Each type of text teaches you something new and makes you a stronger, more flexible reader. Reading different texts also keeps reading interesting and fun.

6. Stay curious and motivated.

The most important part of developing reading skill is to enjoy the process. Choose books or topics that you like, whether it’s about animals, sports, adventures, or mysteries. When you read something that interests you, it feels less like homework and more like an adventure. Developing reading skills takes practice, but it can also be enjoyable. By reading every day, learning new words, asking questions, summarizing, trying different texts, and staying curious, you can become a stronger reader step by step. Remember: reading is not just about finishing a book, it’s about understanding, imagining, and discovering new ideas. With practice, anyone can grow into a good reader who reads with both skill and joy.

Sources :

Anderson, R. C., & Freebody, P. (1981). Vocabulary knowledge. In J. T. Guthrie (Ed.), Comprehension and teaching: Research reviews (pp. 77–117). International Reading Association.

Guthrie, J. T., & Wigfield, A. (2000). Engagement and motivation in reading. In M. L. Kamil, P. B. Mosenthal, P. D. Pearson, & R. Barr (Eds.), Handbook of Reading Research (Vol. III, pp. 403–422). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Pressley, M., Stanovich, K. E., & Johnson, N. J. (1992). The development of reading fluency and comprehension. In S. J. Samuels & A. E. Farstrup (Eds.), What Research Has to Say About Reading Instruction (pp. 204–251). International Reading Association.

Stanovich, K. E. (2000). Progress in understanding reading: Scientific foundations and new frontiers. Guilford Press.

Duke, N. K., & Pearson, P. D. (2002). Effective practices for developing reading comprehension. In A. E. Farstrup & S. J. Samuels (Eds.), What Research Has to Say About Reading Instruction (3rd ed., pp. 205–242). International Reading Association.

Konza, D. (2011). Understanding the reading process. Research into Practice Series, Department of Education and Child Development, South Australia.