The Text Scaffolder helps you add instructional supports—such as questions, summaries, or vocabulary tips—to a text without changing the author’s original words. This makes complex or grade-level texts more accessible while preserving text integrity for close reading and analysis.
What does the Text Scaffolder do?
The Text Scaffolder allows you to:
Support student comprehension of complex texts
Add scaffolds while keeping the original text unchanged
Differentiate instruction for diverse learners
Save time preparing accessible reading materials
Scaffolds are added around the text rather than rewriting it, making this tool especially useful for standards-aligned instruction.
Using the Tool
If applicable, select the Source of your text. If not, upload the text you want to scaffold.
Once you've added a text, select the Scaffold.
Available Scaffolds:
Ask Guiding Questions: Add reflective, language-specific questions after each paragraph to help students focus their thinking and monitor comprehension.
Define Vocabulary: Identify important or challenging words and provide clear definitions.
Embed Translations: Support comprehension by adding inline translations in the selected language immediately after challenging words or academic vocabulary.
Annotate Complex Sentences: Clarify difficult sentences by adding simplified explanations.
Summarize the Text: Offer a short summary of the text that emphasizes key information using simplified language.
Support Figurative Language: Provide brief explanations when figurative language appears in the text.
Identify Cognates & False Cognates: Provide brief explanations when cognates or false cognates appear in the text.
Coming Soon:
Chunk and Space Text: Break the text into smaller sections with added spacing to make reading more manageable.
Annotate Complex Sentences: Deconstruct complex sentences into simpler components, adding annotations while preserving the original sentence.
Depending on the scaffold you selected, you may be prompted to enter the language(s) you want the scaffold to be in.
Then click Generate to get your scaffolded text.
What’s Next?
Review the generated scaffolds to ensure they align with your lesson goals.
Edit or adjust scaffold language as needed for clarity or instructional focus.
Use HMH Assist (left side) to refine supports or request alternate scaffolds.
Export the scaffolded text for use in student handouts, close-reading activities, or small-group instruction.