What is an effective method for teaching reading strategies to struggling readers?

Modeling strategies and think-alouds is an effective method for teaching reading strategies to struggling readers because it allows educators to demonstrate their cognitive processes while engaging with texts. This method provides students with a clear understanding of how proficient readers navigate challenges in texts, including how to approach difficult vocabulary, comprehend complex sentences, and make inferences.

When teachers model thinking aloud, they articulate their thought processes, demonstrating how to make predictions, summarize content, and clarify understanding as they read. This explicit instruction helps struggling readers internalize these strategies, enabling them to apply them independently in their reading endeavors. The use of think-alouds also fosters a more interactive learning environment, encouraging students to ask questions and engage with the material actively.

In contrast, avoiding challenging texts does not help students build resilience or comprehension skills, while providing textbooks without guidance can overwhelm them without the necessary support. Discouraging participation fails to encourage engagement or the development of reading skills, which are essential for improvement. Thus, modeling strategies through think-alouds stands out as a constructive approach to nurturing reading proficiency among struggling readers.