Play Schema Part 1

Play is how children make sense of the world around them, and play schema are repetitive behaviors that children engage in to better understand something. Let’s talk about some big play schema you might recognize in your own kiddos!

Connecting Schema

A connecting schema involves linking objects together in some capacity. It could be through stacking blocks, building a train track, or using tape in an art project. A child exploring a connecting schema might also be interested in disconnecting afterward, ie. knocking over the tower they (or someone else!) just built.

Orientation Schema

If your child is exploring an orientation schema, you might often find them in funny positions trying to get a better or different view of something. I used to see this ALL THE TIME when I was teaching toddlers. I’d catch them laying on their sides, crouching down, and peering through holes in order to see what they wanted!

Transporting Schema

If your child is working through a transporting schema, they probably like moving things from one place to another. They might carry these items in their arms, or they might use a wagon, a baby stroller, or basket to do so. You can capitalize on this phase by including your child in household tasks that involve transporting- grocery carrying and tidying up. Frame it like a game or an invitation instead of a chore and you’ll have better luck with cooperation!

Trajectory Schema

A trajectory schema can often be mistaken for misbehavior when a child is really just trying to understand cause and effect. They’re asking questions like, “Where will my ball/broccoli/pacifier go when I throw/drop/push it off this ledge?” You can channel this curiosity by curating activities that incorporate exploration of trajectory- ball and ramp play, catch, rolling cars and trucks back and forth.

Filling & Emptying Schema

Finally, a filling and emptying schema! This is when a child becomes focused on the movement of items or a substance in and out of a container. This could happen at the sandbox with dump trucks, at the sensory table with buckets and water, or inside with toys and bins. If you have a child working through a filling and emptying schema, save your cardboard boxes! These are so fun for them to fill and empty, especially if they’re large. It offers an opportunity to do some heavy work too and expend toddler energy :)