Schemas in EYFS — Knowledge Organiser

Schemas in EYFS

1. 1 What is a schema? A repeated pattern of behaviour through which children explore and make sense of the world. First described by Jean Piaget; developed in an EYFS context by Chris Athey. A child in the grip of a schema will repeat the same action in multiple contexts.
2. 2 Transporting schema Moving objects or materials from one place to another — in bags, containers, pockets. This child may fill the buggy with bricks, carry gravel in their pockets, move water to the sand tray. They are exploring: how do things move through space?
3. 3 Trajectory schema Fascination with movement and direction — throwing, kicking, dropping, pushing things along lines. May seem like aggressive or careless behaviour. These children are exploring movement paths, force, and cause and effect.
4. 4 Rotating schema Fascination with things that turn — wheels, spinning, circles, winding. They may enjoy rolling tyres, being spun, drawing circles repeatedly, or watching washing machines.
5. 5 Enclosing and enveloping schema Surrounding things or themselves. Building fences around toys. Wrapping objects in fabric. Getting inside boxes. Painting over the entire page. Exploring boundaries, inside/outside.
6. 6 Connection schema Linking things together — string, tape, train tracks, building lines. May also connect people and spaces. Exploring relationships between things.
7. 7 How practitioners support schemas Identify the schema from observation. Provide relevant materials (tubes for trajectory, containers for transporting, circular objects for rotating). Plan activities that channel the schema constructively. Reframe 'problem behaviour' as schema exploration.