It’s been said that children learn through play. I am not doubting that for a bit. Fred Donaldson said, “Children learn as they play. Most importantly in play, children learn how to learn .”
Playing is what children do. It is wonderful to know how to play! Its how our brain learns!
A child can play continually, repeating the same actions over and over. It’s the child’s way of exploring the world around them and try to find out how things work. They may continually drop toys from their cot or build up the blocks to topple them over with one blow. Your child is engaging in schematic play.
What is Schematic play? Specific actions are called, “Schemas”, hence the name Schematic play. Very young children benefit greatly from repetitive actions, to repeat is to practice such actions. It helps brain development and learning as they grow and develop.
There are many schemas that children display. Swaying side to side, going up and down, or moving things up and down or side to side. Some enjoy disconnecting and connecting toys. It is important to understand the schemas the children are displaying so that parents or caregivers can support their learning. The environment provided is potential for children’s creative skills. This allows them to follow their own interest confidently.
Every child is crying out, “Let me PLAY!”