Unlocking Play Schemas: Understand & Support Playful Learning | Episode 002 🎙️

Hey there! 👋 Ever wondered why your child keeps repeating the same actions, like throwing toys, moving objects around, or spinning in circles? Believe it or not, there's a fascinating reason behind these repetitive behaviours. They’re called play schemas—patterns of play that help kids explore and make sense of the world.

In today’s podcast, I’ll walk you through the 10 most common play schemas, from the Trajectory Schema (think throwing and dropping) to the Positioning Schema (lining up toys). Each schema offers unique benefits, like building motor skills, spatial awareness, problem-solving, and creativity.

Here's a sneak peek at what you'll learn:

Trajectory Schema 🏀 - Throwing, pushing, and dropping. Discover how this schema teaches gravity, force, and motion.

Transporting Schema 🚚 - Moving objects from one place to another. Learn how transporting builds spatial understanding and organisation.

Enveloping Schema 📦 - Wrapping and hiding objects (or even themselves!). Enveloping helps kids explore boundaries and containment.

Rotation Schema 🔄 - Spinning objects or themselves. This schema promotes balance, coordination, and motor skills.

Connecting Schema 🔗 - Joining items together (think blocks, magnets). Connecting is key to problem-solving and understanding relationships.

Disconnecting Schema 🧩 - Taking things apart. Perfect for building fine motor skills and problem-solving.

Enclosure Schema 🏠 - Putting items inside other items. Enclosure helps kids learn about “inside vs. outside” and spatial awareness.

Orientation Schema 👀 - Looking at things from different perspectives (tilting heads, looking upside down). This builds spatial skills and creative thinking.

Transforming Schema 🍲 - Mixing, tearing, or changing things (like making mud!). Transforming supports understanding cause and effect.

Positioning Schema 📏 - Arranging objects in patterns or lines. Great for math and science skills.

Tips for Encouraging Play Schemas at Home:
Create Schema-Friendly Play Opportunities: Set up simple activities that match your child’s schema interests.
Observe Without Interrupting: Watching your child can reveal a lot about their learning style.
Play Areas for Each Schema: Give them tools like soft balls for trajectory play or blankets for enveloping.

By understanding play schemas, you can create a supportive environment for your child’s natural learning. Not only does it make playtime more fun, but it also helps your child build essential skills they’ll use for a lifetime.

And remember: today is a great day to play!

Don’t forget to download my FREE Play Schemas Cheat Sheet at PlaySchemas.com/free to get ahead on the 10 most common Play Schemas. Let’s make every day a great day to play! 🎉

👉 Subscribe for weekly episodes and join the conversation on how play can unlock your child's potential - head to www.PlaySchemas.com

Facebook and Instagram: @Play_Schemas
Email me: Ruth@PlaySchemas.com
Website: www.PlaySchemas.com

Support the show

I would love to hear your playtime stories—whether you’re celebrating a win or trying to crack the mystery behind a new behaviour, I’m here for it. Reach out on social media or drop me a message.

Facebook and Instagram @play_schemas
Ruth@PlaySchemas.com
www.playschemas.com