Which approach best supports advanced readers by providing opportunities to mentor peers?

• A. Providing challenging text, complex writing tasks, independent research opportunities, and opportunities to mentor peers.
• B. Lowering text complexity and reducing writing tasks.
• C. Focusing only on decoding fluency.
• D. Limiting research opportunities to classroom library.

Answer: (A)

Encouraging advanced readers to mentor peers uses their strength in understanding to support others while also challenging them to apply and explain what they know. When these readers tackle challenging texts and complex writing tasks, they practice higher-level thinking—analyzing ideas, making inferences, and constructing clear arguments. Adding independent research opportunities keeps their curiosity alive and pushes them to pursue deeper evidence and new questions. The mentoring role then becomes a powerful extension of learning: it requires them to articulate strategies, model effective reading and thinking, and provide constructive feedback. This combination not only reinforces their own mastery but also builds leadership and collaboration skills that sustain motivation and engagement.

If text is made easier and writing tasks are reduced, the opportunity to stretch their thinking and demonstrate leadership diminishes. Focusing only on decoding fluency misses the chance to develop comprehension, analysis, and transfer of ideas. Limiting research to the classroom library constrains authentic inquiry and real-world application, reducing growth opportunities for advanced readers.