We think you might have known about schematic play, and perhaps you've seen it in real life. In any case, what does it actually mean - and how can it support children developing learning abilities?
Schemas are specific behaviours that children go through when they are exploring the world and trying to find out how things work.
So what does Schematic Play really mean?
Basically, schematic behaviour is the manner in which a childexplores a specific while playing. This is, in many cases, seen as repetitive behaviour that may not necessarily makesense to the grown-up, however, it's a way for youngsters to truly dive into the thought and attempt to grasp it.
How to identify schemes?
There are total 8 schemas identified ---
- Transporting schema
- Transforming schema
- Enveloping schema
- Rotation schema
- Trajectory schema
- Positioning schema
- Enclosing schema
- Connection schema
Children are always fascinated with moving themselves, objects and toys. They like learning about journeys. Also, as kids are captivated by cause and effect, in schematic play, they like mixing various materials as well as substances together.
Kids are also very interested in space and capacity too. Throughout the schematic play, they may like to wrap themselves and their toys up in covers. During schematic play, they may like spinning themselves around.
Well, in schematic play, kids also may like to knock things over, run fast, or make an aeroplane fly through the air and they also like their food to be kept separately on the plate!
Understanding the importance of schematic play in early years
Parents and practitioners can improve children’s thinking and learning skills by identifying which schemas are present in children’s play. Understanding these play schemas in early years along with the ways in which they present themselves, can be very valued for early years practitioners.
By recognizing the schemas, it will help support early years educators’ planning by integrating activities or resources that will enable or enhance particular schemas. Once you reflect you have recognized schematic play, the next thing to do is to start looking for more indications of it in other areas of play. Schematic play is most probable to infuse all areas of children’s play, so there may be signs in a variety of different activities.
Some toys, as well as activities, can inspire a group of children with different schemas. Certainly, some schematic play may be more difficult. Also, it can be very suitable to share information about schematic play patterns with parents as well.
Conclusion
Remember, not all children will show schematic play. Sometimes kids will pass through various schemas in a few days, whilst others may be stuck in a schema for a long time. Early Years Care and Education Online Learning program is formulating teachers so that they can help and accommodate pre-schoolers in a better way.
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Written By : Rutuja Badade
