The Proper Way to Read?

[-Carlos-]

A reading teacher once told our class that the proper way to read is by following each printed word with your fingers- three digits touching the page at all times. She said this aids the eyes (focus) as you read along.

What do you think: Is it proper reading technique to following a passage of text with your fingers?

 

[Madeline]

Maybe, if one couldn't keep one's place on the page. For me, it would slow me down, immensely, because I group more words together and my eyes are faster than my fingers.
It would cause a terrible challenge to read the newspaper.
I remember in grade school, the children that pointed at their words were reprimanded.
Maybe speed readers use their fingers, but as I understand, just down the center of the page.

 

[Peronel]

See, I was told once that because I am short-sighted I am able to read faster than people with 20-20 vision (something about not completely focusing on the words, I wasnt really listening). I was telling my brother this and he said that he reads each word and is conscious of it, and he is quite a slow reader. I think making children point at each word makes them think about the word rather the sentence structure and context. It's confusing.

 

[tundra]

Hmm. For me, I just read as comes naturally, with no thought as to what method is best. I don't like the idea of following along with my finger, since that would be too distracting. The only think I am picky about is that I have very bright light, such as a couple of lamps with flourescent bulbs.

 

[SFG75]

A reading teacher once told our class that the proper way to read is by following each printed word with your fingers- three digits touching the page at all times. She said this aids the eyes (focus) as you read along.

What do you think: Is it proper reading technique to following a passage of text with your fingers?

If learning how to ride a bike became the responsibility of education, we'd have thousands of people incapable of riding a bike. To me, if it helps, then do it. There is no "right" way to read.