Understanding Schemas in Children's Play

Repeated patterns of play — lining up cars, wrapping toys, spinning objects — are not random, they are schemas: the building blocks of how young children explore ideas. This workshop helps educators recognise common schemas such as transporting, enclosing, rotation and trajectory, and plan activities that meet children within them.

Led by Amy Byrne — BA (Hons) Level 8 in Early Childhood Education and Care, currently studying a Level 9 postgraduate in play therapy, Children First trained and a Mandated Person. One hour, with a take-home booklet and a dated certificate of attendance.

What we cover in the hour

• What schemas are and why recognising them changes how you view 'repetitive' play.
• Identifying the transporting schema and activities that support it.
• Identifying the enclosing and enveloping schemas and related resourcing.
• Identifying the rotation and trajectory schemas and their safety considerations.
• Planning provocations and resources around a child's dominant schema.
• Talking to parents about schema play so it is understood, not discouraged.

What you'll leave with

• A schema identification quick-reference card.
• Activity ideas matched to each common schema.
• Safety guidance for trajectory and rotation schema play.
• A schema-based provocation planning template.
• Talking points for explaining schema play to parents.

How it can be delivered

No VAT and no booking fees. An itemised receipt is emailed instantly, and invoices are available before you book. Running this across a whole setting? Setting packages start at €399.

Common questions

Why does my child keep lining up every toy in the room?

This is likely the transporting or positioning schema at work, a common and developmentally normal pattern where children explore order and movement of objects. The session covers how to recognise and support it rather than discourage it.

Is throwing objects a schema, and how do we manage it safely?

Yes, this often reflects a trajectory schema, and the session covers how to offer safe outlets for this need, such as throwing games outdoors, rather than simply stopping the behaviour.

Can a child have more than one dominant schema?

Yes, children often show several schemas at once or move between them over time, and the session covers how to notice these shifts through observation.

How do we explain schema play to parents who think it's just messing?

The booklet includes talking points specifically for this, framing schema play as purposeful exploration rather than random behaviour, which most parents find reassuring once explained.

Does this pair well with the Effective Observations workshop?

Yes, spotting schemas relies heavily on good observation over time, so the two workshops work particularly well together.

Related workshops

• Encouraging Independent PlayConfidence in playing independently while still feeling emotionally secure and connected.
• Loose Parts and Open-Ended PlayRich learning using natural, recycled and everyday materials that encourage imagination and problem-solving.
• Supporting Children Through PlayThe essential role of play in learning, relationships and regulation.

More in this theme: Schemas in play · All workshop themes · Upcoming dates

Available live online across Ireland, and in person in Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Louth, Cork and other counties.