Scaffolding for Toddlers

“What a child can do today with assistance, she will be able to do by herself tomorrow." — Lev Vygotsky

Scaffolding refers to when parents (or teachers) guide children’s learning by giving or removing support depending on what the child needs. It is a bridge between the known and the new that makes learning possible.
To be able to scaffold effectively, the caregiver and child need to focus on a task together. Through this connected moment, your child can learn to stretch their thinking, try something new, and “add on” to their learning.
Scaffolding takes place in the zone of proximal development, which is the space between what your child can already do, and what they can do with support.
Children learn through mistakes and trial and error. Scaffolding allows children the right push to be able to have a do-over with a new approach and just the amount of information they were lacking the first time.

Find moments for shared engagement around play. Playing together, on the floor if possible, is the best way to see what your baby is a) interested in, b) exploring, c) stuck on, and d) in need of assistance around.
Model new skills for your baby. Modeling allows babies to imitate - a VERY important step in learning. Once they have watched you, undo it so your baby can try on their own. Then support them in steps (scaffolding) until they can do it on their own.
Narrate what you are doing, and give verbal encouragement.
Praise the effort, not the outcome. When we praise the process, we help children to value and appreciate the work, not the reward at the end of the rainbow.
Ask before you rescue. If your baby is frustrated, give them a choice before you interfere in play. Try not to do things yourself or “fix” them, but instead to offer the help needed and then encourage your baby to try on their own.