Take Action

What can I do to scaffold the learning of this child?

According to the late Jim Greenman, “Our job is to offer each child the opportunity and place to do and learn what he or she needs to do in order to thrive. If children are to step out and take advantage of what the world has to offer, they need:

Opportunities to practice and master tasks that fit their emerging skills
A sensory and movement rich environment filled with written and spoken language
Opportunities to use and test motor skills
Places for exploration and discover of the natural world, toys, games, household objects and various media
People for whom they care and trust” (Greenman, 2007)(4)

Take Action

What can I do to scaffold the learning of this child?

Relationships and interactions
- Understand and respect the primary importance of relationships to teaching and learning
- Clearly communicate and then check for understanding
- Value and use peer support
- Make sure to use the available support from adults both teachers and families
- Young Children Develop in an Environment of Relationships
- These are some of the roles you might take in your interactions with children.
Environment
- Accommodations
  - Inclusion: Integrating Special Kids In a Child Care Setting
  - Creating Inclusive Environments for Young Children
- Physical environment, materials, sensory climate, emotional climate, scheduling
Learning Plans
- Standards and outcomes
  - Creative Curriculum Outcomes
  - State of Colorado Preschool Academic Standards
  - State of Colorado Academic Standards (searchable)
  - Colorado Early Learning and Development Guidelines
- Goals for program, groups, individual child: Think about the overall goals of your program in all areas. What do you want the children to leave with: social skills, emotional competence, positive and productive approaches to learning, curiosity and persistence, strong problem-solving skills, a basic pre-academic foundation for later learning, strong self-esteem, feelings of competence and worth. You need to define your goals clearly in order to make them happen. You then need to think about the groups of children you have and how you can provide ways for them to work together to support and scaffold one another’s learning. Finally, you need to think about each individual child and the goals that you and the family set together in order to best meet this child’s needs.
- Suggested formats
  - Curriculum Planning (from State of Connecticut Guide to Early Childhood Program Development)