MadhuriSwetha
As educators, our deepest joy lies in watching our students grow—not just academically, but emotionally and intellectually too. One of the most powerful ways we support this growth is through scaffolding—guiding students until they’re ready to stand tall on their own.
Imagine teaching a child to ride a bicycle. In the beginning, we run alongside, holding the seat, encouraging them. Gradually, we loosen our grip. There are wobbles, yes, but one fine day, they ride off on their own—confident, smiling, free. That’s scaffolding.
In our classrooms, it means modeling, guiding, questioning, and then stepping back at the right moment. During a literature lesson, for instance, we may first analyze a poem together. Next time, we let them try in pairs. Eventually, they decode verses independently, discovering meaning on their own.
The shift from dependence to independence doesn’t happen overnight. It requires patience, trust, and understanding each child’s pace. Sometimes we step back a little too soon—or too late. But that’s okay. We learn, we adapt. Scaffolding isn’t about doing it for them; it’s about doing it with them—until they’re ready to do it by themselves. And when they finally do, we know we’ve done our job right.
That moment? It’s magic.
By P N Madhuri Swetha, Principal, Advita International School
