Use the Smallest Helpful Scaffold

Worked model: Use the Smallest Helpful Scaffold

1. 1Compare possible supports and choose the one that removes the barrier without doing the thinking
2. 2Compare responses or participation before and after the routine
3. 3Consider other factors and identify what the evidence cannot establish
4. 4Retain, adapt or discontinue the support with a clear reason

Worked classroom example

A learner now links a claim to a data value without the sentence opening. This supports fading that prompt on a similar task; it does not establish independent performance in every genre.

Use the move

1. 1

   Compare possible supports and choose the one that removes the barrier without doing the thinking.

2. 2

   Compare responses or participation before and after the routine.

3. 3

   Consider other factors and identify what the evidence cannot establish.

4. 4

   Retain, adapt or discontinue the support with a clear reason.

Try it tomorrow

Teacher language

Adapt these prompts to the task and your learners.

Apply in your setting