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 (https://amzn.to/4jwv1v4) 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: • Book: Scaffolding Complex Texts: How to Plan and Teach for Deeper Comprehension in Grades 5-8 (https://amzn.to/4eCe92n) by Dr. Mitchell Brookins This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast! Connect with Dr. Mitchell Brookins: • Website: https://brookinsconsulting.org/ • Instagram: @mitchell_brookins (  / mitchell_brookins  ) • X: @MitchellBrookns (https://x.com/MitchellBrookns) • LinkedIn (  / mitchell-brookins-ph-d-6a7259274  ) This podcast is brought to you by (https://www.stephaniestollarconsultin...) Reading Science Academy (https://www.stephaniestollarconsultin...) , where our friend Stephanie Stollar is giving Literacy in Color listeners an exclusive, free grouping resource bundle designed to help you spend less time figuring out what to do with screening data and move more quickly into purposeful, skill-based groups. Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here. (https://www.stephaniestollarconsultin...) Or, become a member of Reading Science Academy (https://www.stephaniestollarconsultin...) to learn in community and receive research-backed support alongside over 1,600 literacy educators. Connect with Michelle: • Visit: www.michelleandthecolorfulclassroom.com (http://www.michelleandthecolorfulclas...) • Follow me on Instagram: @michelle_thecolorfulclassroom (  / michelle_thecolorfulclassroom  ) & @logosliteracyacademy (  / logosliteracyacademy  ) • Join our Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...) Community • Sign up for my Newsletter (https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.c...) • Shop on TPT: The Colorful Classroom (https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/s...) • For Phonics Resources, grab: The COLORFUL Phonics Toolkit (https://colorful-classroom.mykajabi.c...) Want to Support the Podcast? • Make a Donation (https://literacy-in-color.captivate.f...) to Support Production Interested in Learning More about Morphology? • Logos Literacy Academy (https://www.logosliteracyacademy.com/) with Michelle Sullivan & Sarah Paul • Join: Beyond Phonics Club (https://beyond-phonics-club.circle.so...) - our Membership Community Mentioned in this episode: The Super Popular Suffix ＜-s＞ Grab The Super Popular Suffix -s Book + Essie Plushie Bundle for 15% OFF! 🎉 Use code COLORFUL2 at checkout ⏰ Offer valid through November 10, 2026 https://phonicsreadalouds.com/product... Book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4yGBGGY Beyond Phonics Club Find out more about our membership community: https://beyond-phonics-club.circle.so... Reading Science Academy Get your FREE grouping resource bundle here: https://www.stephaniestollarconsultin... Join The Reading Science Academy: https://www.stephaniest...