mythbusters: scaffolding

For each of the following statements, decide if it is a

fact or a myth!

Statement #1Fact or Myth

Scaffolding can be described as temporary supportive frameworks adjusted to students’ particular developmental/linguistic needs in order to improve their access to meaning and ongoing linguistic and cognitive development.

Statement #1AnswerFact or Myth

Scaffolding can be described as temporary supportive frameworks adjusted to students’ particular developmental/linguistic needs in order to improve their access to meaning and ongoing linguistic and cognitive development.

Facts about Statement #1

According to the CDE…

Statement #2Fact or Myth

Scaffolding means…. • making adjustments to reduce the

rigor of the grade level academic content.

and• increasing the frequency of direct

vocabulary instruction.

Statement #2 AnswerFact or Myth

Scaffolding means…. • making adjustments to reduce the

rigor of the grade level academic content.

and• increasing the frequency of direct

vocabulary instruction.

Facts about Statement #2

According to the CDE…

As a reminder, ELs of all levels of English Language proficiency should fully participate in grade level tasks in all content areas with varying degrees of scaffolding. Teachers should refrain from making work “easier” because of a language barrier, only provide scaffolds to help each individual reach proficiency.

Statement #3Fact or Myth

Some examples of planned scaffolding include….

• modeling and explaining tasks and expectations.• using a range of information systems such as graphic

organizers, diagrams, videos, photographs and other multimedia to enhance access to content.

• providing students with language models, such as sentence frames/starters, exemplary writing samples, and teacher language modeling.

• Frequently checking for understanding during instruction and throughout the year.

Statement #3 AnswerFact or Myth

Some examples of planned scaffolding include….

• modeling and explaining tasks and expectations.• using a range of information systems such as graphic

organizers, diagrams, videos, photographs and other multimedia to enhance access to content.

• providing students with language models, such as sentence frames/starters, exemplary writing samples, and teacher language modeling.

• Frequently checking for understanding during instruction and throughout the year.

Facts about Statement #3

According the CDE…

Statement #4Fact or Myth

Just-in-time scaffolding is used when teachers do not have any planned scaffolds in place.

Statement #4 AnswerFact or Myth

Just-in-time scaffolding is used when teachers do not have any planned scaffolds in place.

Facts about Statement #4

According the CDE…

Just-in-time scaffolds stem from planned scaffolds. They are used to help EL students interact and extend their learning, thinking, and language use.

Want More? More information about scaffolding can be found on the

CDE website Appendix C: Theoretical Foundations and Research Base for California’s English Language Development Standards

Upon completion of the Mythbuster game, be sure to take the Scaffolding Mythbuster’s Quiz using Google Form in the content block below.