Nine Dimensions of Scaffolding for Multilingual Learners

Create a rigorous learning environment with strategic and inclusive scaffolding practices

Today's classrooms are more linguistically diverse than ever, but many educators still feel underprepared to support multilingual learners in accessing grade-level academic content. Without intentional scaffolding, these students miss opportunities to thrive alongside their peers. Through nine scaffolded approaches—instructional, linguistic, multimodal, multisensory, graphic, digital, interactive/collaborative, social-emotional, and environmental—this resource offers content area teachers research-based, practical strategies to meet the linguistic, social-emotional, and academic needs of multilingual learners.

Key features of this book include

• Detailed vignettes and authentic examples from classrooms to illustrate scaffolding in action
• Research-based strategies for integrating scaffolds into lessons across content areas
• Self-assessment tools and reflection questions for personal and professional growth
• Practical templates to help educators tailor their scaffolding techniques to individual student needs

Scaffolding instruction is not just another teaching approach to learning—it is a critical non-negotiable for multilingual learners, providing a lifeline to language mastery, academic achievement, and a profound sense of belonging. Dove, Honigsfeld, and McDermott Goldman offer the guidance and inspiration educators need to cultivate equitable, engaging learning opportunities that truly help multilingual students to soar.