What does "scaffolding" in literacy instruction refer to?

The term "scaffolding" in literacy instruction refers to offering incremental support to help students achieve understanding. This approach recognizes that learners often require assistance at various stages of their learning journey. By providing support that matches students’ current understanding and gradually withdrawing that support as they become more proficient, educators can help students build the necessary skills and confidence to tackle increasingly complex tasks independently.

Scaffolding may involve breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable parts, providing models or examples, prompting with questions, and giving feedback. This method allows students to access challenging material while still feeling supported, ultimately leading them to greater independence in their learning.