How to scaffold your tiny peer's play
In the preschool world, scaffolding play is the idea of expanding play through child led direction.
This promotes intentional discovery, fosters creativity, empowers imagination and overall enriches our tiny peers learnings.
Below we have noted the 3 steps you can take to scaffold your tiny peers play at home:
1. Observe play
This can feel overwhelming with a busy schedule but even 10-15 minutes can be enough time to really observe and take in the play that your tiny peer is engaging in.
Some tips for observing play:
- Get down on your tiny peers level
- Leave distractions behind (phones, tablets etc)
- Try to stay on the edge of play, engage when appropriate but also leaving space for your tiny peers imagination
- Take notes if you can!
2. Reflect on the play that you have observed and brainstorm ways to add or enrich
Here are some examples:
- If your child spent the entire time building are there new materials they could use to build? This could look like mixing bowls or cardboard boxes or a new set of blocks.
- If your child spent the entire time making noise or playing music are there new materials they could use to discover new sounds? This could be new instruments or things as simple as swapping wooden spoons for metal spoons.
- If your child spent their time pushing or dropping things, are there household materials they could practice rolling or lifting? This could be Tupperware’s or empty water bottles or a cardboard box to make a ramp.
With the above examples it is important to keep in mind that scaffolding play does not imply you need to go purchase something new. There is always a household option to inspire new play. Scaffolding is more about expanding our tiny peers options in a lane they are expressing interest in. An easy way to think about it can be, if I was a tiny peer what else would make this feel really fun? Or can you think one step ahead of their learning? What else may they discover with the perfect addition to their materials?
3. See what happens & react:
If you see you scaffolding efforts have increased interest and imagination, congrats you’ve done it! If you feel the addition did not promote as much enthusiasm as expected, simply revisit step 2 and start again! There is no perfect way to scaffold and some attempts will be more successful than others, as always, you've got this! Feel free to leave any comments or questions below & our goose team will be more than happy to follow up!
