What does an effective reading scaffold provide to students?

An effective reading scaffold provides temporary support until independence is achieved. This approach to instruction is designed to assist students in developing the necessary skills to understand and engage with texts independently. Scaffolding involves breaking down the learning process and offering strategic assistance, such as modeling reading strategies, providing feedback, and gradually reducing support as students gain confidence and proficiency.

As students become more skilled, the scaffolding is faded, promoting autonomy in their reading abilities. This careful balance encourages a supportive learning environment that builds learners' self-efficacy, preparing them for future independent reading tasks. The focus on temporary support is essential in structured literacy, as it cultivates the aim of fostering independent skills.