# data[].attributes.headline
The "Izzy" Way of Reading (because the Izzy way is the easy way)

# data[].attributes.subject
The "Izzy" Way of Reading (because the Izzy way is the easy way)

# data[].attributes.body
I am someone who struggles with reading long-form academic content. Like.... really struggles. Sometimes its like pulling teeth to force myself to read these new texts, so here are some things that I have found that work for me.

1. Gear up with some ASMR or some relaxing music

Getting myself in a relaxed state of mind promotes what I like to call "The Whatever Man" frame of mind. In this mental space, anything that seemed massive to me now seems more manageable. The music or sounds should NOT have a human talking to me in sounds I recognize or else I will forget what I am reading.

2. Drinks

No, not alcohol. I want to remember what I have read. A glass of water or a mug of cocoa is a great accompanying treat. Sometimes, I will challenge myself to complete a text before all of my ice has melted.

3. Colorful fun stationary for notes and annotations

Any text is fun to tackle if you've got colorful cartoon cats cheering you on from your memo pad!

# data[].attributes.body
Usually I read text and highlight keywords. I re-read and write down the tex to help me remember and include my own thoughts.

-Alicia

# data[].attributes.body
If something is read to me out loud, it can help me understand a bit better.

# data[].attributes.body
https://www.tomatotimers.com/

My last instructor shared this with me, its a time keeper where I can set a timer read for 20-30 min, and explain what I read with someone..

Also a helpful tool for in the classroom with students..:)

# data[].attributes.body
I highlight and take notes but, if the reading is particularly difficult I read a section, then put it down and come back in a few minutes.

# data[].attributes.body
Start small and cut complex sentences into chunks of words you understand.

# data[].attributes.body
I try to summarize a text or a section from the text to a friend who has little to no idea what I am talking about to see if I can understand and rely what the author is saying. If my friend doesn't understand me or I cannot understand myself, I reread.

# data[].attributes.body
Finding keywords in the text that can connect to the rest of the text

# data[].attributes.body
knowing the area of scholarship that the author works in or reading a brief bio helps to know what the reading will be talking about in general

# data[].attributes.body
For larger texts, I often take breaks. I like to read through certain passages multiple times as well.

# data[].attributes.body
I always read hard passages twice, and usually annotate them the second time I read.

# data[].attributes.body
For texts that feel particularly dense, I give myself 10 minute focused reading periods, then pause to reflect and digest.

# data[].attributes.body
For each section of text, I usually write my key takeaways as it helps me understand what I read once I am done reading.

# data[].attributes.body
I read and if I come across a word I don't know I look it up and then read the section again

# data[].attributes.body
I like to read through a text and annotate the text as I go. I highlight and make notes about the text in the margins as I read.

# data[].attributes.body
I highlight the text as I read.