Final answer:
Encouraging ESL learners to engage in guided reading and discussions of young adult literature is an effective initial strategy to develop their academic language skills. It provides exposure to advanced vocabulary and complex structures while promoting critical thinking and comprehension.
Step-by-step explanation:
An effective initial strategy for a middle school ESL teacher to move ESL learners beyond conversational language towards the development of academic language skills would be to encourage learners to participate in guided reading and discussions of young adult literature. This method allows students to immerse themselves in richer vocabulary and complex sentence structures that are not always present in everyday conversation. Furthermore, it provides a context for learning that fosters critical thinking and comprehension skills, which are essential for academic success.
Guided reading sessions give students the chance to encounter and interpret diverse texts, honing their ability to read effectively for inquiry, learning, critical thinking, and communication in a range of rhetorical and cultural contexts. Discussions also help students to articulate their thoughts and to practice academic discourse, reflecting on a variety of experiences and perspectives. This strategy aligns with the need to understand how conventions are shaped by purpose, language, culture, and audience expectations, thereby developing their competence in academic English.