A few weeks ago, I mentioned
that, I think of the cumulative text in my picture book No Monkeys, No Chocolate as a book-long example of text scaffolding. This was a new term for a lot of readers, so I thought I’d look at
the idea in more detail.
Text scaffolding is an
extended passage that explains a complex idea or process by meeting readers
where they are and then leading them down a path to understanding. In addition
to providing pertinent background information, it may involve dispelling
preexisting misconceptions. When employing this
technique, it can be really helpful to begin with a universal experience. From
there, authors can provide readers with the building blocks they will need to
slowly assemble a clear, logical explanation in their own minds.
extended passage that explains a complex idea or process by meeting readers
where they are and then leading them down a path to understanding. In addition
to providing pertinent background information, it may involve dispelling
preexisting misconceptions.
technique, it can be really helpful to begin with a universal experience. From
there, authors can provide readers with the building blocks they will need to
slowly assemble a clear, logical explanation in their own minds.
Here are some recent books
that make excellent use of text scaffolding to explain very difficult
scientific ideas in ways that young readers can really understand:
that make excellent use of text scaffolding to explain very difficult
scientific ideas in ways that young readers can really understand:
A Black Hole Is NOT a Hole by Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano
Island by Jason Chin
Zombie Makers by Rebecca L. Johnson
Can you think of others? I’m
searching for more.
searching for more.
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