What Are Play Schemas? (And Why You Shouldn't Stop Your Child’s Repetitive Play)

Written By T Summers

Play Schemas?? Let’s Talk About Them.
Recently, a relative of mine shared a story about their child who has special needs. They noticed their child repeatedly transporting items down the stairs—but not really playing with them afterward. It puzzled them, especially since the child didn’t clean up after. My simple advice?

Don’t stop it.

They were surprised and asked why. I explained that their child was actually showing a transporting schema—a completely natural and important pattern of play. While it might seem unproductive at first glance, this kind of repetitive behavior is one way children explore and make sense of the world around them.

After a 30-minute chat (and a few cups of tea), they felt more empowered and confident about supporting their little one—just by letting the play unfold.

It reminded me just how important it is to talk more about play schemas—not only for children with additional needs, but for all children.

🌱 What Are Play Schemas?

Play schemas are repetitive patterns of behaviour that children naturally use to explore and understand their environment. They’re not random or naughty—they’re actually a vital part of child development.

Here are some common schemas you might notice:

  • Transporting – Carrying or moving objects from place to place

  • Enveloping – Wrapping or covering objects or themselves

  • Trajectory – Throwing, dropping, or watching things fall

  • Rotation – Spinning wheels or turning objects

  • Enclosure – Placing things inside boxes or building enclosed spaces

  • Connecting – Joining objects together

  • Positioning – Arranging objects in lines or patterns

🎴 Want to spot these schemas with ease?

I’ve created a set of Montessori-inspired Play Schema Flashcards featuring real images and simple descriptions to help parents, educators, and carers recognise and understand these play patterns.

You can use them as a quick reference or learning tool—and they make a great conversation starter when talking about play development!

🧠 [Check out the flashcards here]

📸 A Little Peek Into Our Play

(Insert photo or brief example from your own sensory play, e.g. your child carrying toys in a basket or wrapping a doll in fabric.)

💬 Your Turn!

Have you spotted any of these play schemas at home or in your classroom? I’d love to hear about them! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram with a photo or story of your child’s favourite way to explore.

See you Thursday for Part 2, where I’ll share how to support these amazing patterns of play—plus tips for children with special needs!

With love,
Summers Sensory & Co.

T Summers
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Happy August!