Children learn about the world around them through play; why things happen and how things work. They do this by trying out ideas, repeating them until they are sure, and then joining their thinking together. These impulsive processes and patterns in children’s play are called schemas and it is vital that we as adults fully understand them, in order to support children’s development and learning.

Schemas can be displayed in a number of recognisable ways and are most visible in children aged 2 to 4 years. Children lining up objects, stacking blocks, or sequencing items on a shelf may be displaying a linear schema, for example. Whilst those interested in spinning, rolling down slopes, or playing with wheeled toys wheels are learning through a rotation schema.

Other schemas include trajectory, enveloping, and transportation. As schemas are explored and combined, they form the building blocks of children’s understanding, as explored originally by Piaget and more recently by researchers such as Kathy Nutbrown.

The learning objectives for this course are as follows:

1. To know what schemas are and why they appear in young children’s play
2. To be able to recognise and identify schemas and understand the learning process behind them
3. To be able to support young children’s learning by appropriately resourcing the environment to enable children to play and follow their schematic impulses

This course will ensure your practice is in line with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage, The Early Years Framework and The Foundation Phase. It will also support your continuous professional development in line with the Early Years Teachers Standards.

Upon booking this course, we will discuss the learning objectives and outcomes you wish to achieve based on the children in your care. We can provide you with an advanced version for seniors or managers or facilitate a train the trainer course.

Should you wish to discuss your needs before making a booking, please call 0800 774 7874.

If you have less than 5 learners who require the above training please consider our online version.