Reach All Readers How to scaffold complex text reading - even in the early grades! with Dr. Jennifer Throndsen
Nov 24, 2025
Dr. Jennifer Throndsen, a literacy expert and author, shares her insights on scaffolding complex texts for all grades. She emphasizes the importance of introducing connected texts early, combining decodables with richer materials. Jennifer discusses strategic peer support to enhance learning and advocates for pre-reading strategies like building background knowledge. She also addresses adjusting teaching methods for harder texts and the significance of varied reading experiences beyond controlled decodables, ensuring all students thrive in their reading journey.
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Start Connected Text Early
- Do introduce less-controlled connected texts as soon as students know a few letters so they can apply decoding skills authentically.
- Pre-teach key words and build background knowledge to give young readers access to those texts.
Teacher As The Spotter
- View teachers as the scaffolder who spot students reading texts beyond their comfort zone, not the texts themselves.
- Stretching readers with supported harder texts builds their reading 'muscle' faster than always matching easy texts.
Front-Load For Access
- Do front-load small groups with background or pre-teach vocabulary before whole-class readings to boost access.
- Use quick pre-reading work so students sit up straighter and engage more during the whole-class text.