Mythbusters: Scaffolding

For each of the following statements,

decide if it is a fact or a myth!

Statement #1

Fact 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 #1Answer

Fact 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 #1According to the CDE…

Statement #2

Fact 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 Answer

Fact 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 #2According 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 #3

Fact 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 Answer

Fact 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 #3According the CDE…

Statement #4

Fact or Myth

Just-in-time scaffolding is used when teachers do not

have any planned scaffolds in place.

Statement #4 Answer

Fact or Myth

Just-in-time scaffolding is used when teachers do not

have any planned scaffolds in place.

Facts about Statement #4According 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.