1. Supporting Adolescent Readers
(Scaffolded Reading Experiences)
Today’s Objectives:
1.) We can determine how we use text for content area
learning.
2.) We can consider how best to lesson plan in order to
support and engage our readers with content area
texts.
3.) We can explore how to implement that lesson plan in
the most effective way through a gradual release of
responsibility model.
4.) We can plan our lessons considering what motivates
students.
We can determine how we use text for content
area learning.
What is Read:
• Kids still use textbook as basic source of information but
also venture far beyond it.
• Subject matter includes authentic, interesting, and
current issues relevant for young people.
• Instead of relying upon a single authority, students
consult a variety of sources and voices.
• Students sample a wide variety of genres.
• Reading selections have a range of lengths.
How it is read:
• Purpose for reading is to gather information, construct
meaning and apply knowledge (not to pass a test or
complete a study guide).
• Teacher selects some, but not all, of the readings.
• Not every student reads the same texts—some
common readings but also jigsaw and leveled texts.
• Teachers teach (and kids use) a repertoire of thinking
strategies.
• Reading is seen as social, rather than solitary—partner,
inquiry groups, teams, etc.
• Assessment of kids’ reading relies less on quizzes and
worksheets and more on complex products.
Subjects Matter, p. 15-16
We can consider how best to lesson plan
in order to support and engage our
readers with content area texts.
Dr. Jen McCarty Plucker Page 1

2. Supporting Adolescent Readers
(Scaffolded Reading Experiences)
Scaffold the Reading Experience by Providing Support
Before they Read with pre reading activities (front
load),
While they Read so they engage in and understand the
text, and
reward their hard work after they Read.
We can consider how best to lesson plan
in order to support and engage our
readers with content area texts.
We can plan our lessons considering what
motivates students.
1. Meaning is Motivating
2. Control and Choice
3. Reading is Social
4. Self-Efficacy (I can because I think I can)
5. Interest in Reading
Dr. Jen McCarty Plucker Page 2