How to Support Play Schemas (For All Children, Including Those With Special Needs)
Welcome back! Last week, we explored what play schemas are and why repetitive play is so important for little learners.
Today, let’s talk about how you can support these play patterns at home or in your classroom, including some tips for children with additional needs.
🛠️ How to Support Play Schemas
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or carer, here are some easy ways to nurture your child’s play:
Observe: What patterns do they repeat? Do they love carrying things around, spinning wheels, or lining up toys?
Provide materials: Offer scarves, boxes, wheels, ramps, bags, or scoops—whatever fits their favourite schema!
Set up invitations: Create simple play stations or trays that encourage schema play.
Join in: Mirror their play or gently extend it—“I see you’re wrapping the doll. Want to wrap this blanket too?”
Be patient: Repetition is learning—it’s how children process new ideas.
🌈 Supporting Children with Special Needs
Children with additional needs often show strong play schemas. Here are some ways to support them:
Tailor materials to their sensory preferences (soft fabrics, weighted toys).
Keep play areas predictable and calm to reduce overwhelm.
Use visual aids like pictures or flashcards to explain routines.
Celebrate repetition—even if it looks different.
Encourage shared play with peers to boost social skills.
🗂️ Ready to Plan Schema-Inspired Play?
If you want to build your playtime around these patterns, I’ve put together play-based planning documents including weekly activity planners and a full-year curriculum overview.
These tools help you create meaningful, schema-inspired play sessions with minimal stress.
📅 [Explore the planning documents here]
💡 Did You Know?
Play schemas support key developmental milestones—like problem-solving, language, and social skills—so encouraging them fits perfectly with early years curriculum goals.
💬 What’s Your Experience?
Are you already using schema play in your routines? Or do you have questions about supporting your child? Drop a comment or send me a message—I love hearing your stories!
With love,
Summers Sensory & Co.
