An example of adult scaffolding a child's free play.
For infants - it is more obvious.
When the child is able to stand, the next milestone is cruise with support and slowly remove the support, then etc etc.
Adult's role is to encourage, provided supporting materials, setup chairs, railings etc to enable the child to push himself to the next level.
For older kids, say kids in our group, they have free plays at all time.
Example. When reyden was playing with Reyes outdoor, they were cycling. Half way reyden stopped and said he saw a snail. Reyes stopped n join the fun, mama can go to them and talk about snail. It is science!!!
But how much can mama talk about snail??? Haha..
So what we can provide is let them draw snails if they like to draw, if not, take picture of the snail and just bring back, print out and keep. When they reach home, snail might come in the discussion between RR, then mama can bring the picture out, plus another book about snail.
They can make remarks on the picture, drawn or printed also nevermind.
From this lesson, they learn about snail, where they live,wat they eat, speed of moving, colours, etc.
Adults roles: provide camera, papers pens, remind them about the incident, and provide information to supplement their knowledge.
This example is aout knowledge. There are other eg about skills scaffolding,
Is it too confusing?
The main point is the free play must be initiated by the kids, kids interests etc. Adults ONI do support nia,