The role of play schemas in making sense of the world

As young children explore the world around them; they engage with their environment in predictable and repetitive ways. We have come to know these behaviours as “play schemas”. The knowledge that young children from around 6 months to 3 years old naturally engage in this form of play, is crucial for understanding cognitive development.

So, what are the different play schemas, and how might we observe children exploring their world through this lens?

Play schemas are necessary for development:

1. Transporting: Moving objects from one place to another, like carrying toys in a bag.

2. Enclosing: Creating boundaries or containers, such as building fences or putting items in boxes.

3. Enveloping: Covering objects or themselves, like wrapping toys in blankets.

4. Connecting: Joining items together, such as linking train cars or building with blocks.

5. Rotation: Spinning objects or themselves, like turning wheels or twirling around.

6. Trajectory: Throwing or dropping items, like tossing balls or watching water flow.

7. Positioning: Placing objects in specific orders or arrangements, like lining up cars or organizing toys.

8. Orientation: Exploring different viewpoints, such as looking at objects from various angles.

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