How to Read Backwards
Write down a short phrase on a piece of paper., Rewrite the phrase backwards., Practice reading the phrase., Move on to longer phrases.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Write down a short phrase on a piece of paper.
It typically helps to start with shorter, easier words and work your way up to a longer phrase.
Two to three words will be sufficient. -
Step 2: Rewrite the phrase backwards.
Begin with the last letter of the last word and end with the first letter of the first word.
Leave spaces between words just as you normally would.
Practice writing the phrase several times; it will help clue your brain to the right-to-left movement.
Because you are accustomed to reading left-to-right, your brain naturally prefers this direction; essentially what you are doing is re-teaching it how to track from right to left (called "directional tracking")., Start with the letter on the right and work towards the left (the opposite of how you normally read).
Identify each letter individually and try to sound it out as you go.
Over time, your brain will begin to recognize the shape of the word, and you will no longer need to sound it out.Practice reading several times over the next few days.
Spacing out your practice over time helps you feel more comfortable reading and recognizing words from the opposite direction, from right to left rather than left to right. , Pick a random sentence from a book and practice reading it backwards.
If it is difficult to isolate the sentence in the book, rewrite the sentence on a piece of paper, then rewrite the phrase from right to left.
It might help, at least initially, to use your finger under each word to help your eyes keep track of where you are.
Practice makes perfect! Here's an example.
Try to figure out what it says. snoitalutargnoC .sdrawkcab gnidaer era uoy siht daer nac uoy fI -
Step 3: Practice reading the phrase.
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Step 4: Move on to longer phrases.
Detailed Guide
It typically helps to start with shorter, easier words and work your way up to a longer phrase.
Two to three words will be sufficient.
Begin with the last letter of the last word and end with the first letter of the first word.
Leave spaces between words just as you normally would.
Practice writing the phrase several times; it will help clue your brain to the right-to-left movement.
Because you are accustomed to reading left-to-right, your brain naturally prefers this direction; essentially what you are doing is re-teaching it how to track from right to left (called "directional tracking")., Start with the letter on the right and work towards the left (the opposite of how you normally read).
Identify each letter individually and try to sound it out as you go.
Over time, your brain will begin to recognize the shape of the word, and you will no longer need to sound it out.Practice reading several times over the next few days.
Spacing out your practice over time helps you feel more comfortable reading and recognizing words from the opposite direction, from right to left rather than left to right. , Pick a random sentence from a book and practice reading it backwards.
If it is difficult to isolate the sentence in the book, rewrite the sentence on a piece of paper, then rewrite the phrase from right to left.
It might help, at least initially, to use your finger under each word to help your eyes keep track of where you are.
Practice makes perfect! Here's an example.
Try to figure out what it says. snoitalutargnoC .sdrawkcab gnidaer era uoy siht daer nac uoy fI
About the Author
Donald Kelly
Experienced content creator specializing in pet care guides and tutorials.
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