What does scaffolding in reading instruction refer to?

Scaffolding in reading instruction is a teaching strategy that involves providing temporary support to students to help them grasp complex concepts and skills. This method allows teachers to guide students through challenging material in a way that builds their confidence and independence. By offering various forms of assistance—such as modeling thought processes, using graphic organizers, or breaking tasks into manageable parts—teachers can help students gradually take on more responsibility for their learning as they become more proficient readers. The essence of scaffolding is to support learners until they are ready to perform tasks on their own, leading to deeper understanding and skill acquisition. This approach is particularly effective in reading, where comprehension can often depend on background knowledge and familiarity with the text’s structure and vocabulary.