Which technique is effective in promoting critical reading skills among elementary students?

Promoting critical reading skills among elementary students is best accomplished through guided reading and questioning strategies. This approach encourages students to actively engage with texts rather than passively consume information. Guided reading involves teachers providing support and structure as students navigate through reading materials, enabling them to build comprehension skills incrementally.

By integrating questioning strategies, students learn to think deeply about what they are reading. They are prompted to analyze content, make connections to their own experiences, and evaluate the material's reliability and relevance. Such interaction not only cultivates a better understanding of the text but also fosters higher-level thinking and promotes a love for reading, as students become more curious and invested in their learning journeys.

In contrast, minimizing discussions about texts would limit students' opportunities to explore and articulate their thoughts, which is essential for developing critical thinking. Solely focusing on grammar exercises could lead to disinterest and a narrow view of reading as a mechanical skill rather than a meaningful process. Likewise, relying exclusively on textbooks would stifle creativity and limit exposure to diverse genres and perspectives, which are crucial for developing well-rounded reading skills. Thus, guided reading and questioning strategies are the most effective methods for enhancing critical reading abilities in elementary students.