Speed reading lessons: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What speed reading lessons is

Speed reading lessons teach techniques such as skimming, pacing and reducing re-reading, with practice to help improve reading speed and focus. Students take them to keep up with a heavy workload of school or work reading, and parents book them for teens with a lot of reading for class.

Signs you need it

  • You read the same paragraph two or three times before you understand it.
  • You fall behind on work or school reading because it takes too long to get through a document.
  • Your focus drifts after a few pages, and you cannot remember what you read.
  • You need to skim long reports or articles and do not know how to find the key points quickly.
  • Your teen has a heavy reading load for class and needs a steady method.

What the pro does

  • Start with a reading check that measures your speed and how much you understand at that speed.
  • Teach skimming and scanning, with practice on the structure of a document, such as headings and summaries.
  • Practice pacing with a timer, and build a rhythm that keeps your eyes moving forward.
  • Work on reducing re-reading, with exercises that help you trust the first pass.
  • Assign reading practice between lessons, with a short summary to check understanding at the next session.

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • One-on-one lessons compared with group workshops
  • How many sessions you book and how long each one runs
  • Whether the focus is school reading, work documents or general reading for pleasure
  • Whether the teacher has a background in reading instruction or a trained teaching credential
  • Whether the lessons include a review of your reading material between sessions
  • Whether sessions happen in person or online

What a written quote should spell out

  • The reading material the sessions use and the goal for the first set of lessons
  • The number of sessions, length and schedule
  • Whether a starting and ending reading check is included
  • The materials provided and whether you must buy a book
  • The cancellation and rescheduling policy

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What is your background in reading instruction, and how have you measured results with students?
  • Will I understand what I read at a faster pace, or do speed gains come at the expense of comprehension?
  • How do you measure my reading speed and understanding at the start and the end?
  • Can you use my own school or work reading in the lessons?
  • If you are booking for a teen, what is the policy on background checks, supervision and whether a parent can attend?

Red flags

  • A teacher who promises you will read thousands of words per minute with no change in understanding.
  • Lessons that only use a machine or app with no feedback from a teacher.
  • A teacher who will not describe their background or how they measure reading progress.
  • Pressure to buy a long package before a trial lesson.

What you can do yourself

You can practice pacing with a timer, skim the headings of a document before you read and summarize short passages on your own. Book a teacher when you want someone to measure your reading honestly, correct the habits that slow you down and build a method that keeps your understanding.

Licenses and permits

Speed reading lessons usually do not require a license. Ask for proof of experience instead, such as a background in reading instruction, a teaching certificate or references from past students.

Speed reading lessons questions

Can speed reading really double my speed?

No teacher should promise a set speed. A good teacher measures your reading at the start and shows what improves, with the trade-off in understanding made clear.

Can a parent book speed reading lessons for a teen?

Yes. Ask about background checks, the lesson policy, whether a parent can attend and how the teen's reading material and progress are shared before you book.

How do I find a speed reading teacher here?

Describe your reading load and goal, then pick the teachers you want by name. Only the teachers you pick see your request, and it is free for you.

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