Scaffolding for Teens: Let Them Learn

teens Jul 28, 2024

scaffolding going up for a building against a blue sky

What is Scaffolding for Teens

I once heard psychologist Aimee Yermish use this example from The Princess Bride to explain scaffolding in a presentation. She was using the idea of teaching young people to make telephone calls.

“Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”

It got everyone’s attention! Aimee broke it down clearly for the parents in the room:

Hello my name is….this is EXACTLY what you want your teen to do when beginning a phone call–greeting and identification.

You killed my father….this states clearly what the problem they are calling to address is.

Prepare to die…this is the outcome or result they are looking for.

Scaffolding is a technique that provides successive levels of temporary support to help people achieve higher levels of comprehension and skill acquisition than they would manage on their own. This method involves breaking down learning into manageable steps, offering guidance, and gradually reducing assistance as the learner becomes more proficient. The goal is to bridge the gap between what learners can do independently and what they can achieve with help.

The Importance of Scaffolding for Teens

If your teen is frustrating you, for not completing a task–they may be frustrated too. The task may seem impossible to them, even out of their reach. Admittedly, they may also think you’re nagging. Take the time to evaluate and not presume that you know what is going on in their mind. This may save both of you some aggravation.

Pause for a moment and think about what they really understand about the thing they are trying to accomplish or that you are asking them to do. It’s possible that your understanding of their knowledge and their actual understanding aren’t the same. This is something you want to clarify before you set your expectations.

If they are avoiding a task because they don’t know HOW to begin, or are afraid they will not be able to complete it, then scaffolding can be an excellent way to help them bridge where they are beginning from so that they can get where they need to be. This can potentially help you both move past the resistance causing the frustration.

Additionally, your young person will gain skills and confidence to use moving forward.

Step-by-Step Guide to Scaffolding for Teens

Step 1: Do It for Them—They Watch You

I'll give you an example. I wanted my kids to be able to handle making phone calls on their own. By this time, I had heard Aimee’s example at the beginning, so I shared her example with my kids to make it fun.

My kids resisted.

I was certain they had watched and heard me make phone calls. No question. Now, I had to identify what was stopping them from being successful.

Step 2: Do It with Them

So next I helped them by writing notes that they could use to get through the call on their own. We talked through what to expect on the call, the questions they should be prepared to answer. We did this for a couple of types of calls.

Step 3: Watch and Support While They Do It

Next, they gave it a try and I supported them through it. Be sure to reinforce what they got right before you give them tips about what they can do better next time.

Step 4: Step Out of Their Way

And the final step, I reinforced that I'm available if they have questions in the future, but I let go and trusted that they have it on their own now. I don’t get involved unless they ask for my help.

Practical Tips for Implementing Scaffolding

Identify the Task: Choose a task that is appropriate for their age and skill level.

Break Down the Task: Simplify the task into manageable steps.

Use Visual Aids: Create notes or checklists to guide them.

Role-Play Scenarios: Practice different scenarios to build their confidence.

Provide Constructive Feedback: Focus on what they did well and offer suggestions for improvement.

Encourage Independence: Gradually reduce your involvement as they become more competent.

Benefits of Scaffolding for Teens

Scaffolding not only helps teens learn new skills but also boosts their confidence and independence. It fosters a supportive environment where they feel safe to make mistakes and learn from them. It helps them know they can overcome challenges that arise.

With an understanding of scaffolding, they will have learned how to break tasks down into smaller chunks making life more manageable, and decrease resistance that might stand in their way.

While it's normal for teens to resist new responsibilities, we don’t want them to get stuck and not grow into capable adults. Address their concerns and explain the benefits of learning these skills, using active listening techniques.

Certainly learning new skills takes time and patience. It can help significantly when you share an experience from YOUR life where you felt resistance, and found your way through the struggle to success. This is to encourage, not to shame.

Remember to celebrate small victories along the way.

Open and honest communication is key. Let your teen know that it's okay to ask for help and that you are there to support them.

By using scaffolding, you can help your teen transition smoothly into adulthood. Remember, the goal is to build their confidence and independence. While this post has focused on teens, the scaffolding technique works – regardless of age.

Even something as simple as making phone calls is an essential skill for life. From doctor appointments, to car insurance–from calling in for jury duty to connecting with friends, scaffolding helps them to understand that they can control the narrative.