The Definition of Scaffolding (and why it makes me cry)
OKAY SO REAL QUICK I WANTED TO TALK ABOUT THIS GIF RIGHT HERE
Do y’all know what scaffolding is?
I’m a teacher. Scaffolding is something we have to learn about in depth in order to be effective in the field. At it’s most basic, it’s the process of building blocks for children to repeat actions, either by watching the teachers or by following along, until they can work independently. We create stepping stones, essentially, and give them the space and the attention they need to succeed on their own.
Scaffolding came into play as an effective model of parenting. It’s how some of the best parents teach their children. And this can be common -more than classroom activities. Showing them how to press numbers on a telephone? That’s scaffolding. Showing them how to vacuum the rug? Scaffolding! Giving them instructions and demonstrating how to change batteries? Scaffolding again!
Any process of a parent, a good parent, in which they give direction before doing it themselves, helping the kids follow, is scaffolding. And the mark of a terrific mother or father. It points to patience, depth, and empathy.
That’s what Héctor is doing.
it’s incredibly subtle, but it’s there. The way he spins his hand, the way he twists his body to keep watching Miguel- these are all actions of a well-seasoned parent directing a child (their child) through some sort of movement they might have not done on their own. It’s the mark of someone who’s done something like this before -taken the time to teach a child something- and the move of a parent who’s barely even thinking about what they’re doing while they’re doing it.
This is the mark of a natural parent.
This movement is small, but it needs to be appreciated.
Héctor is scaffolding.
Héctor is a parent.
