Which practice is beneficial for enhancing students' engagement with reading materials?

Allowing student-led book discussions is a highly effective practice for enhancing students' engagement with reading materials. This approach encourages students to take ownership of their learning by promoting critical thinking, fostering collaboration, and developing communication skills. When students lead discussions, they are more likely to express their thoughts, ask questions, and make personal connections to the texts. This engagement deepens their understanding and love for reading as they share their perspectives and hear diverse viewpoints from their peers.

In contrast, practices like assigning daily reading logs can often feel like a chore, which may lead to a lack of enthusiasm for reading. Reading aloud to the class can be beneficial, but it typically places the teacher in the central role, which may not encourage active participation from all students. Limiting reading choices to specific genres restricts students' ability to explore their interests and can diminish their motivation to engage with diverse texts. Thus, student-led discussions create an interactive environment that is both inclusive and captivating for all learners.