Often children can be seen to repeat the same actions or same type of actions over and over. This is called schematic play where the child is engaged in a particular schema or pattern of behaviour which allows them to explore their interests and curiosity. Some children don’t ever seem to engage in schematic play and some will have an obviously dominant play schema. It is useful for practitioners to notice these behaviours, in order to provide a range of situations or provocations to allow children to test their theories and interests.
The Common Schemas
There are many different schemas which researchers have identified but there are 9 which are most commonly seen in young children.
Click on the zones below to see ways in which you can provide opportunities for each of the different schemas.
