Is there special value in reading the korbonos with comprehension?

There is a longstanding custom to recite the parsha which discusses the Korbon Tamid at the beginning of davening. Some Rishonim use terminology that describes this custom as an obligation. When one recites this parsha with an understanding of its concepts, it is as if he is taking part in the offering of the korbon in the Beis Hamikdosh. Based on the concept that studying the korbonos is akin to offering them, it is customary to read about various korbonos and ketoros. The Zohar writes that a person who reads about the ketores daily will be saved from tribulations.

סימן מח, סעיף א וס"ק א; ביאורים ומוספים דרשו, 1 ו־3

Why do we shuckel?

It is customary to shuckel (sway) while learning Torah. Shuckeling is reminiscent of Matan Torah, which caused people to tremble. Some also sway during davening, based on the verse “All my limbs will join to praise You.” Some poskim are critical of swaying during Shemoneh Esreh, since it is proper to stand erect in front of a king. In the final analysis, the poskim say that a person should adopt whichever practice that will help his kavanah.

סימן מח, סעיף א וס"ק ה; ביאורים ומוספים דרשו 7

Is it permissible to read parts of Tanach by heart?

The Gemara states that verses which are written in Tanach may not be read by heart. The Rishonim explain that there are various qualifications to this halacha: 1) Verses that are universally well-known--such as Kriyas Shema, Birchos Kohanim and Parshas Hatamid—may be recited by heart. 2) If the reader is not being motzei anyone in his reading, he may read by heart. Some do not rely on this leniency. 3) Passages that are recited as a tefilla and not as a limud may be read by heart. An example would include reading Sefer Tehillim.  

סימן מט, סעיף א, ס"ק ב, ג, ו ו־ז, וביה"ל ד"ה כגון; ביאורים ומוספים דרשו, 2 ;וראה ס"ק ה

• One who arises before daybreak should say Birchos HaTorah if he wishes to learn. This will cover all his learning for the entire day, even if he wishes to go back to sleep before daybreak. According to the opinion that a person should recite Birchos HaTorah again if he sleeps for a significant amount of time during the day, one should also recite it again upon arising if he went back to sleep after learning.

• Women are obligated to recite Birchos HaTorah.

• All the Birchos Hashachar may be recited before daybreak except for Hanosein Lasechvi Binah. If one did recite this brocha, he is yotzei b’dieved. If a person heard the crow of a rooster, many Achronim hold that he may even say the brocha l’chatchilah.

• What is a person supposed to study each day?

• Can one interrupt between Boruch She’amar and Pesukei D’zimrah?

• Can one answer Amen to his own brocha?