Dictionary game didn't work for me either. It's a game.

The 5 steps of the system are
Prepare,
Preview,
PhotoRead
Postview,
Actvate.

Limit the time you spend on previewing to 60 seconds 90 seconds for huge textbooks. That stops getting pre-conceived ideas about the book.

Most importantly check your purpose. Reread the chapter on purpose from the PhotoRead book.

To get over your doubt I recommend starting on that very chapter of the book. Decide what your purpose is for learning PhotoReading.

Once you've decided that proceed from there. Be playful as you experiment with the techniques as you go through the course.

Alex