Shall we let children explore everything on their own, trying to figure it out independently, or shall we guide, model, advise and prompt?
It mainly depends on the developmental stage of the child and the task, I think.
Take folding a paper plane, for example. Let a child read a step by step booklet will be sufficient, if the child is older than or almost 5, probably it will be okay if he or she is also a visual learner. for younger children, it is not too interfering to do most steps for the child, and even just let the child involved in pressing the paper firmly together.
The most important issue is shifting the balance of power to the child eventually. When the child is more competent and skillful, let the child do a bit more and you as an adult do a bit less. Being observant and supportive will set up the child for success. Once the child is ready, let him fly...
