At 20 months, David loves playing with his blocks and has even attempted to build a 6-block tower, but his tower keeps falling down. His mother, Nicole, joins him when he plays with his blocks, making suggestions, such as placing the second block right in line with the first block, and even demonstrating how the blocks work best with her own smaller version of a 3-block tower. As she sees his skills improve with this toy, Nicole steps back and lets him try on his own.

• Using Vygotsky's theory, explain how Nicole is supporting David's cognitive development.
• What are some other strategies Nicole could use to encourage David's mastery over this toy?

At age 5, David is talking aloud to himself as he plays. His mother, Nicole, wonders whether she should discourage this behavior. Piaget's theory and Vygotsky's theory have different interpretations of this behavior.

• Referring to either Piaget's theory or Vygotsky's theory, how would you explain why David is talking to himself?
• How would you advise Nicole about encouraging or discouraging David's talking out loud behavior?