Digital reading rulers are tools that create parallel lines across a page of text, usually tinted a certain color, which scroll along with the text as you read. They were originally designed as a tool to aid comprehension for dyslexic readers, based on what was once a very simple strategy: physically moving a ruler down a page as you read.
There is some recent evidence showing that reading rulers improve speed and comprehension in non-dyslexic readers, as well. Also, many reading disabilities are probably something of a spectrum disorder, and I suspect it’s possible to have minor challenges with reading that slightly limit speed/comprehension but don’t create enough of a problem to be noticed early in life or qualify for a diagnosis.
Because of this, I suggest most regular readers at least try using one and see what they think. I’ve had the surprising experience that reading has felt much easier to me while using one, so I plan to continue to use reading rulers for large books and articles in the foreseeable future.
There are browser extensions that can offer reading rulers for articles, and the Amazon Kindle app for iOS added reading rulers two years ago. I’d be curious to hear if anyone else has had a positive experience with them.
Consider Using a Reading Ruler!
Digital reading rulers are tools that create parallel lines across a page of text, usually tinted a certain color, which scroll along with the text as you read. They were originally designed as a tool to aid comprehension for dyslexic readers, based on what was once a very simple strategy: physically moving a ruler down a page as you read.
There is some recent evidence showing that reading rulers improve speed and comprehension in non-dyslexic readers, as well. Also, many reading disabilities are probably something of a spectrum disorder, and I suspect it’s possible to have minor challenges with reading that slightly limit speed/comprehension but don’t create enough of a problem to be noticed early in life or qualify for a diagnosis.
Because of this, I suggest most regular readers at least try using one and see what they think. I’ve had the surprising experience that reading has felt much easier to me while using one, so I plan to continue to use reading rulers for large books and articles in the foreseeable future.
There are browser extensions that can offer reading rulers for articles, and the Amazon Kindle app for iOS added reading rulers two years ago. I’d be curious to hear if anyone else has had a positive experience with them.