Supporting Schematic Play

The staff team attended Observing and Supporting Schematic Play training provided by Angus Council. 

Schematic play is described as a pattern of repeated behaviour which allow children to explore and express developing ideas and thoughts through their play and exploration. 

“Schemas of action are coordinated systems of movements and perceptions, which constate an elementary behaviour capable of being repeated and applied to a new situation. eg: grasping, moving or shaking an object.”  Jean Piaget (1962). Play, Dreams and Limitations in Childhood.

During this session practitioners recapped their knowledge of Piagets four level theory to support their understanding of schematic play in more depth. Practitioners developed further knowledge and understanding about what schemas are and how they look in practice. Practitioners developed a further understanding about how to support the development of schemas. Staff came together as a team to look at various resources throughout the nursery in which support and allow schematic play to develop further in each room, they identified what resources we currently have and what types of schematic play we could further develop. From this the staff in the baby and toddler room have put together a shopping list of resources to be bought for the rooms, the staff are looking forward to supporting development further when they arrive.