Lev S. Vygotsky's sociocultural theory is a sound theory in early childhood education that integrates three main elements and three main concepts for cognitive development effective which this author will discuss later. in more detail. Vygotsky's theory is effective with young children because evidence demonstrates that the practice of his theory is precisely linked to the needs and characteristics of a young child. By providing creative and novel examples, this author will present her understanding of development practices that clearly and precisely connect Vygotsky's sociocultural theory to multiple influences on development and learning; to include, but not limited to, the incorporation of social, emotional, and cognitive development practices in relation to personal beliefs and classroom strategies. To briefly describe Vygotsky's theory of sociocultural cognitive development, one must understand that there are three main elements involved that must be incorporated for success; culture, language and social interaction, as well as three main concepts necessary for optimal cognitive development; the zone of proximal development, scaffolding and psychological tools (Louis, 2009). The zone of proximal development is the area in which a child needs help because it is the area between the child's current level of development and the level of development the child is capable of achieving (Perry, 2012). Scaffolding is one of the most important factors in Vygotsky's theory because it is when a more knowledgeable person, such as a parent, teacher, or peer, helps the student build their next level of knowledge (Perry, 2012). There are actually two types of tools that can be incorporated to provide cognitive development...... middle of article ......to contribute to the learning environment and how multiple influences contribute to the development of each child, whether it is socially, emotionally or cognitively. Remember to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster the social interactions deemed essential for cognitive development and, through scaffolding and use of tools, the desired cognitive development will then occur, thus proving the strategies and effective teaching theories.ReferencesJaramillo, JA (1996) VYGOTSKY'S SOCIOCULTURAL THEORY AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF CONSTRUCTIVIST PROGRAMS. Education, 117(1), 133.Louis, G.W. (2009). Using Glasser's theory of choice to understand Vygotsky. International Journal of Reality Therapy, 28(2), 20-23.Perry, Nancy and Anita E. Woolfolk. (2012). Child and adolescent development. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.