Popcorn Reading

There are many circumstances where we are required to read out loud. We are asked to read in school, church, and other settings. Many people don’t consider these as situations that cause anxiety. This has not been my case.

Ever since grade school, I have felt very uneasy about reading out loud. Despite my ability to excel in other educational subjects, I felt my intelligence was judged on my ability to read fluently. Reading silently- no problem. I have always been able to read quickly with good comprehension.  

One particular torture in school was an exercise called “Popcorn Reading”. One student would be required to read a certain amount then call on a fellow classmate to read. “I popcorn ___________ to read.”

The random order forces students to pay attention. When you read in a line or row, most people zone out until it is around their turn to read. We’ve all been guilty of not paying attention until we have to! J

Often, reading in order helped ease my stress. I could read my paragraph or sentence over and over to minimize my mistakes. By the time it was my turn, I still felt a little apprehensive though. In many situations, I still stuttered over phrases and jumbled my words.

Sometimes when there are mistakes in reading, it can be pretty funny. When I heard giggles about things I read wrong, it wasn’t funny to me. It drove me to become less and less confident to read out loud.

Let’s talk about some lights that turned on from my circumstance.

Intelligence cannot be judged on whether someone can read fluently or not.

Be sensitive and patient.

Sometimes the best way to get participation isn’t calling on random people to read out loud.

Reading out loud often, even if it’s by yourself, can help you feel more comfortable. Developing this habit at an early age can prevent future anxiety towards reading in front of others.  It is never too late to start practicing, however.

Let us all be grateful for experiences that help us see things in a different light.