Play is often seen as simple and straightforward, but in reality, it is a complex and essential part of a child's development. Understanding play schema—the repeated patterns of behavior that children naturally exhibit during play—gives us valuable insights into their cognitive, emotional, and physical growth. This training will explore the importance of recognizing and supporting these schemas in early childhood settings. As educators, we may expect play to look a certain way, such as building with blocks or playing pretend. However, children's play often takes forms that may seem unusual or even disruptive to adults, like repeatedly dropping objects, spinning, or transporting items from one place to another. These behaviors are not random; they are purposeful and are the ways children explore concepts like gravity, movement, or cause and effect. By understanding and supporting these play schemas, we can create richer, more engaging learning environments that meet children where they are developmentally. This training will provide practical strategies to recognize these patterns, tailor your environment to support them, and engage with children in ways that deepen their learning and enjoyment of play.
© 2017 North Dakota Early Childhood Advocates (NDECA)
