Based on a Vygotskyian approach, this study examines contextual differences in the nature and quality of maternal scaffolding during mother-child interactions across three different play contexts: pretend play, puzzle games, and story retelling. Thirt...
Based on a Vygotskyian approach, this study examines contextual differences in the nature and quality of maternal scaffolding during mother-child interactions across three different play contexts: pretend play, puzzle games, and story retelling. Thirty mother-child interactions, with ten in each context, were observed at participants` homes. Observations of mother-child interactions were audiotaped and videotaped. To understand dyadic interactional patterns in different play contexts, a coding scheme was developed to assess the level of maternal scaffolding strategies and the effectiveness of scaffolding in terms of contingent shifting. Contextual differences in maternal scaffolding were detected. Findings indicate that mothers changed scaffolding strategies depending on play contexts. During pretend play and story retelling, mothers did not scaffold their children contingently and used high levels of scaffolding strategies. During puzzle games, however, mothers scaffolded their children contingently and used low levels of scaffolding strategies. Implications of these findings call for the promotion of the maternal role in children`s play through parent education programs which presents the importance of play and the different ways of participation in play contexts.