What activity would best promote strategic reading in literary texts for students?

Frequent small-group discussions and close readings are highly effective for promoting strategic reading in literary texts. This approach encourages students to engage with the material in a collaborative setting, where they can share insights, ask questions, and explore different interpretations of the text. By discussing their thoughts and responses in small groups, students actively process the information, which helps them develop critical thinking and comprehension skills.

Close reading, in particular, involves analyzing specific passages in detail, focusing on word choice, structure, and meaning. This practice allows students to notice nuances in the text that they might miss during a more superficial reading. When paired with discussions, close reading supports deeper understanding and reinforces strategies such as making inferences, predicting outcomes, and summarizing key ideas.

Overall, this combination fosters an interactive and reflective environment that encourages students to take ownership of their reading strategies and enhances their ability to analyze and appreciate literary texts on a deeper level.