More about Scaffolding
Now that we know the importance of observation in regards to teaching your witty little learner, let's explore how we move them along from their ZPD to independence and mastery. To do this, we must attentively watch for moments when the child encounters challenges, so we can provide the support needed to help move them towards being more successful with the task. In other words, provide scaffolds. However, we must be careful not to make the child feel wrong in any way so it is important to understand that scaffolding can be as simple as being present, cueing, demonstrating, giving a presentation, assisting, providing a loving connection, or even better providing didactic materials, but it is in no way scolding, lecturing, cajoling or imposing. We must remember that what looks wrong to us is still the child's own unique learning process. All learning has a margin of trial and error. Follow the child's lead in every way. As the child becomes increasingly more proficient and developed, gradually modify the scaffold. Once the child can independently complete the task, we remove the scaffolds.
Watch the video of my witty little learner as she makes another attempt with the block puzzle. Notice which scaffolds have been put in place.
Now that we know the importance of observation in regards to teaching your witty little learner, let's explore how we move them along from their ZPD to independence and mastery. To do this, we must attentively watch for moments when the child encounters challenges, so we can provide the support needed to help move them towards being more successful with the task. In other words, provide scaffolds. However, we must be careful not to make the child feel wrong in any way so it is important to understand that scaffolding can be as simple as being present, cueing, demonstrating, giving a presentation, assisting, providing a loving connection, or even better providing didactic materials, but it is in no way scolding, lecturing, cajoling or imposing. We must remember that what looks wrong to us is still the child's own unique learning process. All learning has a margin of trial and error. Follow the child's lead in every way. As the child becomes increasingly more proficient and developed, gradually modify the scaffold. Once the child can independently complete the task, we remove the scaffolds.
Watch the video of my witty little learner as she makes another attempt with the block puzzle. Notice which scaffolds have been put in place.
Comment below: What are your thoughts after watching this video? How will you use this information? Think of one skill that challenges your child, how might this information be useful? Which scaffolds do you need to put in place to support your child’s learning?
