Play Schemas: What They Are and How to Spot Them
Ever noticed your toddler is obsessed with throwing things? Or constantly filling and emptying bags? Or circling the room endlessly like a tiny whirlwind?
That’s not just chaos (although it might feel like it). It could be a play schema — a pattern of play that helps children explore how the world works. And once you start spotting them, everything gets a bit clearer — and a lot less frustrating.
So, what is a play schema?
Schemas are repeated behaviours that show a child is working through a concept. They're not taught — they’re instinctive ways of learning.
Think of schemas as play urges that guide how a child experiments, tests, and makes sense of their environment. One child might line things up endlessly. Another might post everything into a hole. Another might spin until they're dizzy. Each is processing something important.
Why schemas matter
Understanding schemas can help you:
Feel less worried about “weird” play patterns
Offer activities that truly engage your child
See challenging behaviours (like throwing or climbing) in a new light
Support development in a way that’s aligned with their current interests
You don’t need to label everything. But when a behaviour repeats, there’s often a reason.
Common play schemas (and how to spot them)
💡 Note: Some children show one strong schema, others bounce between a few. There’s no right or wrong.
Rotation
Loves spinning wheels, turning lids, watching washing machines, twirling around.
🧠 They're exploring circular movement and cause-effect relationships.
Enclosure / Containment
Fills boxes, bags, baskets, or crawls into small spaces.
🧠 They’re figuring out in/out, boundaries, and safe spaces.
Trajectory
Throws toys, drops food, pushes objects off tables, or jumps from furniture.
🧠 They’re testing motion, gravity, and direction — not trying to annoy you.
Positioning
Lines up toys, arranges things in order or symmetry, dislikes disruption to "layouts".
🧠 They’re developing spatial awareness and early maths understanding.
Transporting
Carries objects from one place to another — over and over.
🧠 They’re learning about distance, collection, and purpose.
Connecting
Links train tracks, builds towers, joins hands or objects together.
🧠 They’re exploring how things connect and separate.
Transformation
Mixes, squashes, tears, or combines materials (like water and flour).
🧠 They’re fascinated by change, cause and effect, and sensory experience.
How to support them
Don’t fight the urge — channel it. Give throwers beanbags or soft balls. Give enclosers boxes and containers.
Repeat and extend. Offer familiar materials in new ways that build on their current schema.
Observe and follow. You’ll learn more by watching how they play than trying to lead it.
This isn’t strange behaviour — it’s smart behaviour.
Schemas aren’t milestones to tick off. They’re ways of thinking in motion. When you start noticing them, you’re not diagnosing — you’re connecting. And that’s what play is all about.