How can I use the ZPD theory to parent my child?

Vygotsky developed his Zone of Proximal Development theories based on observing how groups of children learn. Children may have the raw ability to learn how to do something but they may not be able to achieve their potential without assistance from a knowledgeable person'who breaks down the task into steps which the child can master. We can call this 'scaffolding'. 

Anyone who has ever studied painting or music will understand exactly what this process involves. Remember the Suzuki method?

Think about the Zone of Proximal Development as having three steps:

 

 1: Tasks which a learner CANNOT accomplish with assistance

Sometimes, the task is too great for a learner. You as a parent need to step back and break the task down into small bites. Think about this; you wouldn't put a child on a racing bike for the first time and expect them to be a competant rider! Apply this to every area your child struggles with. 

 

2: Tasks which a learner CAN accomplish with assistance.  

When you first start to paint, you need help learning how to hold the brush. Once you have mastered this, you will still need help in painting more than a big mess! Step by step you scaffold your child towards becoming an artist. 

3: Tasks which a learner CAN accompish WITHOUT assistance. 

The learner can carry out the tasks but... they may be plateau-ing! We have all experienced this - we can play the violin, speak French or maybe drive a car competently enough but our skills will not develop without more expert guidance

A practical application 

Reading - books can be intimidating to early readers. Don't set the bar too high. There is nothing wrong with having a favourite but remember step 3 and think about guiding your child to read more challenging texts; maybe as a joint project?