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How Would You Use Scaffolding in a Preschool Classroom?

Scaffolding is a method of teaching, whereby the instructor breaks down large concepts into smaller-sequenced tasks. Adults use this method to teach preschoolers by providing more assistance as the concept is being introduced and gradually fading their direct support as children master the objective. When the direct instruction is faded out, children begin to take more responsibility for learning and exploration. This can encourage the development of good problem-solving skills at an early age.

Instructions

    • 1

      Develop activities and lessons that are engaging to the children. Do not be afraid to ask the students what they would like to learn about or what makes them excited.

    • 2

      Break the whole activity or concept down into manageable portions that can be taught in a systematic order. Teaching the entire task all at once can be frustrating and overwhelming for preschoolers. Teach one portion of the concept at a time.

    • 3

      Model what is expected of the students to understand when learning each step. Young children learn more by watching an adult perform a task, rather than listening to an explanation. If necessary, use hand-over-hand instruction when students are first learning the concept. Physically, put your hands over the child's hands and manipulate them as expected.

    • 4

      Fade back teacher support gradually, as children begin to master each objective. Use verbal or visual prompting, if necessary, to remind the preschoolers of what step comes next.

    • 5

      Support students to think through the tasks as they are completing each one, instead of directly telling them the answer. Ask probing questions that will help the children reach an appropriate conclusion. This encourages children to understand why the concept is important to learn.

    • 6

      Arrange students in groups, so that they can teach or review the concept with each other. This provides an opportunity for cooperative learning and developing social skills as well. Make sure to keep the children on task, so that they do not lose focus on the lesson being taught.

    • 7

      Give children verbal feedback on the strengths of the skills they have learned and where they need to improve.

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