Is your child throwing food or toys everywhere? Do they try to climb into any container they see? Or maybe they pull all the cushions off the sofa and make a mess? Are you thinking your child is being naughty or misbehaving?
Not at all! Your child is going through different Schemas, which is what we’ll discuss today.
As a teacher, I went through various training sessions, and one of the most valuable things I learned was about Schema. At first, I wondered why so much training was necessary. But now, I’m incredibly grateful for it. The knowledge has helped me teach my students and, even more importantly, understand my own child. I believe it can help you understand your child too.
What is Schema?
Schema refers to the repeated actions children do to understand and learn about their environment.
This means children don’t just learn by listening; they learn by doing. From the moment they are born, they start developing skills by repeating actions and experimenting with their world.
From birth, children go through different Schemas to learn and explore. For example, simple actions like sucking or grasping are early Schemas. Children repeat these actions until they master them.
Let’s talk about another example-
Have you noticed how babies often put everything in their mouths? This isn’t random—it’s their way of exploring the world and preparing themselves to eat. Around the age of six months, babies start picking up objects and instinctively try to put them in their mouths. By practicing this daily, they gradually learn how to eat. It’s a natural and essential part of their development.
Sometimes, children focus on one Schema for a long time, while other times, they explore multiple Schemas at once. The duration of each Schema varies; some last a few days, while others can last months.
Why Do Schemas Matter?
As parents, it’s essential to understand these Schemas because they help you see the world through your child’s eyes. What might seem like “bad behavior” to you—like throwing things or making a mess—is often part of their natural learning process.
By recognizing these patterns, you can guide their energy and curiosity in positive ways. This not only makes your life easier but also helps your child enjoy learning and exploring.
Common Schemas and Activities
Here are some examples of Schemas and activities you can try:
- Containment
- Activities: Provide boxes or containers for them to fill and empty.
- Behavior: Putting things in a box or trying to climb into containers.
- Enveloping
- Behavior: Wrapping themselves or toys in fabric.
- Activities: Let them use scarves or paper to cover things.
- Orientation
- Behavior: Hanging upside down or climbing to look at things from different angles.
- Activities: Provide safe climbing games or swings.
- Positioning
- Behavior: Lining up toys in a row.
- Activities: Use blocks for stacking and arranging.
- Rotation
- Behavior: Spinning objects or drawing circles.
- Activities: Give them spinners, wheels, or round toys.
- Trajectory
- Behavior: Throwing things, running, or jumping.
- Activities: Play games that involve throwing balls or running around.
- Transporting
- Behavior: Moving objects from one place to another.
- Activities: Use toy trucks, prams, or baskets.
- Connecting
- Behavior: Joining objects like building tracks or structures.
- Activities: Provide Legos, puzzles, or train tracks.
Every Child is Unique
Each child has their own pace and way of learning. Just because one child enjoys a certain toy or activity doesn’t mean every child will. It’s important to observe what your child enjoys and give them toys and activities that match their interests and learning needs.
For example, if you give your child a toy and they lose interest quickly, it could mean the toy doesn’t match the Schema they’re exploring right now. That’s okay—focus on what captures their attention and encourages them to learn.
Supporting Your Child’s Growth
Understanding your child’s developmental needs can help you support them better. It also strengthens your bond with them. When you provide activities that match their interests and abilities, they’ll be more engaged and excited to learn.
If you’re looking for ideas, I share activities for skills like motor development and problem-solving on my Facebook page. These activities can help reduce screen time while encouraging children to explore and grow.
By understanding the stages your child is going through, you can give them the right tools and opportunities to thrive. Watching them learn and grow is a wonderful experience, and with the right support, they’ll continue to surprise you with their progress.
I hope this helps you on your parenting journey. Take care and stay well!
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