List one effective strategy for promoting reading skills in ESOL students.

Encouraging extensive reading to build fluency and confidence is an effective strategy for promoting reading skills in ESOL students because it allows them to engage with a wide range of texts that match their interests and language levels. Extensive reading involves reading longer texts for enjoyment or general understanding, rather than merely for specific information, which fosters a love for reading. It helps students practice their language skills in context, improves vocabulary acquisition, and enhances their overall comprehension abilities.

Furthermore, as students read more, they begin to recognize sentence structures, phrases, and vocabulary in a natural way, which contributes to increased fluency. This method creates a low-pressure environment where students can explore materials at their own pace, boosting their confidence as they encounter and understand new language elements. Additionally, extensive reading encourages learners to take ownership of their learning, leading to greater motivation and a more profound connection to the language.