Scaffolding techniques are the basis of teaching in schools. Scaffolding in parenting can be based on this. Scaffolding to the temporary support provided to students as they learn a new concept or skill. It involves breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable parts and providing guidance and support as students work through these parts. Much like scaffolding on a building site supports construction by supporting the works over a range of smaller steps till they get the top. In education, scaffolding can take many forms, such as providing examples, asking leading questions, providing feedback, or modelling a skill.
If you want to teach your child to cook, you would not start with a complicated meal with home made pasta. As a parent you would instead scaffold it into a number of smaller steps. Use dried pasta and maybe stir a jar of sauce through it. After a few ‘successes’ you might look at making a sauce with one or two ingredients. Then you might let them do the process on their own including using a knife. They perhaps then have the confidence to watch YouTube videos and to try things on their own.
Although the above example is common sense, teachers and coaches spend a year learning their trade and years developing them with feedback from colleagues. As a result, they can construct scaffolding around more complex tasks. For example, a golf swing. Therefore, do not feel that as parents you should be able to magically reproduce them. What we will look at in this article is the theory behind this as well as some examples. You will see that for much of the advice we give on this site, we have broken are advice into simple steps.
Benefits of Using Scaffolding Techniques in Parenting
Using scaffolding techniques has many benefits. First, it helps children develop a sense of independence and self-confidence. By breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps, children can learn new skills and achieve their goals on their own.
Second, scaffolding allows parents to tailor their approach to their child’s individual needs and abilities. By providing support and guidance as needed, parents can help their children learn and grow at their own pace.
Third, scaffolding promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By encouraging children to think critically and solve problems on their own, parents can help their children develop these essential life skills.
Finally, when looking at how to help our children, there can be a lot of frustration. If, rather than telling them to tidy their room, we look at it rather as several small wins it can make the atmosphere better. Rather than tidying a bedroom, instead picking the clothes up off the floor on three occasions. Then, when this is mastered, the next step could be to do that and then hoover the floor. Clear and achievable expectations means a positive atmosphere.
Common Scaffolding Techniques for Parents
There are many different scaffolding techniques that parents can use to support their children’s learning and development. Some of the most common techniques include:
Modeling involves demonstrating a task or skill for your child, and then allowing them to try it on their own. This technique is particularly useful for teaching new skills, such as tying shoelaces or using utensils.
Prompting involves asking questions or providing cues to help your child complete a task or solve a problem. This technique is useful for promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Fading involves gradually reducing the level of support as your child becomes more proficient at a task or skill. This technique allows children to develop independence and build self-confidence.
Feedback involves providing your child with information about their performance, and helping them identify areas for improvement. This technique is useful for promoting self-reflection and self-improvement.
How to Implement Scaffolding in Your Parenting Style
Implementing scaffolding in your parenting style requires a few key steps. First, you need to identify the specific skills or tasks that your child needs help with. This could be anything from being able to cook to
Once you have identified the skills or tasks, you can begin to break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. This will allow your child to learn and practice each step before moving on to the next.
Next, you can begin to provide support and guidance as needed. This could involve modelling the task, prompting your child with questions, or providing feedback on their performance.
As your child becomes more proficient at the task or skill, you can gradually reduce the level of support. This will allow your child to develop independence and build self-confidence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Scaffolding Techniques
While scaffolding can be a highly effective teaching technique, there are some common mistakes that parents should avoid. One mistake is providing too much support, which can prevent children from developing independence and self-confidence.
Another mistake is not providing enough support, which can leave children feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. It’s important to strike a balance between providing support and allowing children to learn and explore on their own.
Finally, it’s important to avoid being too critical or negative when providing feedback. Instead, focus on providing constructive feedback that will help your child improve and grow.
Scaffolding Examples From Real-life Parenting Scenarios
Here are some real-life examples of how scaffolding can be used in parenting:
Getting to school independently: Firstly take the journey with them. Explaining how the bus works. On the second journey they pay the driver and choose the seat. On the third time they might go with you just a shadow as they go through the process on their own.
From here, you might take a trip to a strange city. Let them plan it, let them have their own ticket for the underground and then they choose the restaurant. In a year or two they might be given a budget to plan the day and take you on a tour. The final stage will seem overwhelming if they had not gone through the few smaller ones before.
If you read our related articles about any aspect of parenting we give advice based on these principles. We have a general article on steps to independence here. Some more comprehensive articles are below:
How to prioritize, being prepared to go to college, how to be safe when they go out at night, being left at home, developing social skills, even to table manners
Final Thoughts on Scaffolding in Parenting
Scaffolding is a highly effective teaching technique that can help children develop independence, self-confidence, and critical thinking skills. By breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, and providing support and guidance as needed, parents can help their children learn and grow at their own pace.
However, it’s important to strike a balance between providing support and allowing children to learn and explore on their own. By avoiding common mistakes, such as providing too much or too little support, and focusing on constructive feedback, parents can create a positive and supportive learning environment for their children.
If you’re interested in learning more about scaffolding in parenting, there are many resources available online and in print. With a little practice and patience, you can become a skilled and effective scaffolder, and help your child achieve their full potential.
