Schematic Play

Schematic play refers to repeated patterns of behavior that children exhibit as they explore the world around them. These behaviors, known as schemas, are essential for understanding how things work and for brain development. The following article provides information on Nine Schemas in Young Children's Play, How To Encourage Schematic Play, Activity Ideas For Schema Play and more.

Nine Schemas in Young Children's Play

The nine central schemas in young children's play are fascinating patterns of behavior that help them explore and understand the world. Here's a brief overview:

1. Trajectory: Exploring movement, such as throwing or dropping objects.

2. Rotation: Fascination with spinning or circular motion, like twirling scarves or spinning wheels.

3. Transporting: Moving objects or themselves from one place to another.

4. Positioning: Arranging items in specific patterns or rows.

5. Orientation: Experimenting with different perspectives, like looking at objects upside down.

6. Enveloping: Covering or wrapping objects or themselves.

7. Enclosure: Creating boundaries or enclosed spaces, like building fences or forts.

8. Connection: Joining or separating items, such as linking blocks or disconnecting train tracks.

9. Transformation: Observing changes in substances, like mixing colors or cooking.

These schemas are essential for cognitive development and can be supported with engaging activities tailored to each type. 

How To Encourage Schematic Play 

Encouraging schematic play in early childhood involves creating an environment that supports exploration and repetition. Here are some tips to foster this type of play:

1. Observe and Identify: Watch for patterns in children's behavior to identify their schemas, such as transporting, rotating, or enveloping.
2. Provide Relevant Materials: Offer toys and objects that align with their interests, like blocks for building (enclosure schema) or scarves for spinning (rotation schema).
3. Create Open-Ended Opportunities: Set up activities that allow children to explore freely, like water play, sandboxes, or art supplies.
4. Engage and Extend: Participate in their play by asking open-ended questions or introducing new elements to deepen their exploration.
5. Rotate Resources: Regularly change the materials available to keep their curiosity alive and encourage new schemas.
6. Encourage Outdoor Play: Nature provides endless opportunities for schematic play, like throwing leaves (trajectory schema) or building forts (enclosure schema).

Activity Ideas For Schema Play 

Here are activity ideas for a few schemas to inspire schematic play in young children:

1. Trajectory Schema:

   • Provide balls of different sizes for rolling, throwing, or kicking.
   • Create a ramp using cardboard or wood for objects to slide down.
   • Offer water guns or droppers for experimenting with water movement.

2. Rotation Schema:

   • Give access to spinning tops, toy wheels, or wind-up toys.
   • Use paint rollers or spinning brushes for creative art projects.
   • Introduce kitchen tools like whisks or rolling pins for playful exploration.

3. Transporting Schema:

   • Provide baskets, buckets, or toy trucks for carrying objects around.
   • Create a simple obstacle course for children to move items through.
   • Use outdoor play opportunities like collecting pebbles or leaves.

4. Enclosure Schema:

   • Offer building blocks or playdough to create fences or boundaries.
   • Use blankets or cardboard boxes to build forts or enclosed spaces.
   • Provide materials for creating enclosed shapes, like hoops or string.

5. Enveloping Schema:

   • Provide wrapping paper, scarves, or fabric for wrapping objects or themselves.
   • Let children experiment with covering items in sand, mud, or foam.
   • Offer small boxes or containers for “hiding” toys.

Tips For Supporting Schematic Play 

Supporting schematic play involves creating an environment that encourages exploration and repetition. Here are some practical tips:

1. Observe and Understand: Pay attention to the child's play patterns to identify their schemas. This helps you tailor activities to their interests.
2. Provide Open-Ended Materials: Offer versatile resources like blocks, scarves, containers, and art supplies that can be used in various ways.
3. Encourage Outdoor Exploration: Nature provides endless opportunities for schematic play, such as building forts (enclosure schema) or throwing leaves (trajectory schema).
4. Rotate Toys and Activities: Regularly change the materials available to keep their curiosity alive and encourage new schemas.
5. Engage in Play: Join the child in their play, ask open-ended questions, and introduce new elements to deepen their exploration.
6. Create Safe Spaces: Ensure the play environment is safe for activities like throwing, spinning, or transporting objects.
7. Be Patient: Allow children to repeat actions as they learn and master concepts.

Further Reading 

A Guide To Schemas

References: 
How Many Play Schemas Are There?, Early Impact Learning 
A Guide to Play Schemas in Early Childhood Education, My Teachings Cupboard 
9 Powerful Play Schemas: What They Are and Why They Matter, Express Yourself NC