Describe "scaffolding" in literacy instruction.

Scaffolding in literacy instruction refers to the practice of providing temporary, tailored support to help students engage with and understand new concepts as they progress toward independent learning. This method is grounded in the understanding that students often need guidance that is adjusted to their current abilities and confidence levels. Teachers might use various strategies, such as modeling reading techniques, providing graphic organizers, or breaking down complex texts into manageable parts, to nurture students' skills and build their confidence.

The essence of scaffolding lies in its gradual release of responsibility; as students become more proficient, the level of support is decreased, encouraging them to take full ownership of their learning. This fosters a learning environment where students can experiment and make mistakes without fear, ultimately leading to mastery of literacy skills.

In contrast, strict guidance without flexibility wouldn't allow for the individualized support that scaffolding emphasizes, while encouraging competition can discourage collaborative learning and peer support that scaffolding seeks to promote. Additionally, limiting assistance to only high-performing students neglects the diverse needs of all learners in the classroom, which contradicts the purpose of scaffolding as a supportive framework for everyone.