119. Scaffolding Complex Texts: Teach the Hard Stuff with Mitchell Brookins, Ph.D.

Are we scaffolding complex texts for students — or unintentionally lowering the intellectual demands of what we ask them to do?

Dr. Mitchell Brookins, author of Scaffolding Complex Texts joins the show to share how intentional planning and strategic scaffolding can help students navigate challenging texts, construct meaning, and engage in deeper intellectual work.

For years, educators have been encouraged to match students with “just-right” texts. When students spend most of their time reading texts that don’t challenge their thinking, expand their vocabulary, or expose them to sophisticated language and ideas – are we really stretching them? The goal, after all, is to develop readers who can think critically, integrate knowledge, make connections, and construct deeper understanding – because complexity is worth it.

Key Takeaways:

  • What distinguishes complex texts from grade-level and “just-right” texts
  • Why relying too heavily on easier texts can limit opportunities for intellectual development
  • What research and classroom experience suggest about engaging readers with challenging texts
  • Why effective instructional planning begins with understanding the text, not filling out a lesson plan
  • How to identify the most important moments, vocabulary, sentences, and ideas within a text
  • How fluency, vocabulary, syntax, text structure, and writing work together to support comprehension

Resources Mentioned:

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