24 FEBRUARY 2026
When we play, we are often at our most motivated and engaged, and the same is true for our children. Play is not only fun; it is a vital part of early development. Sometimes, play may look different from what we expect. Understanding these differences can help us feel more confident in supporting our children at home.
4 minute read
Repeated and repetitive play
In the early years, many children exhibit repetitive play patterns. This is very common and helps them to make sense of the world around them. These patterns are often called schemas: repeated actions or behaviours that children naturally return to as they learn through play.
There are many different types of schemas, representing a range of play styles, including:
- Throwing and dropping objects
- Spinning themselves or objects
- Moving, transporting or hiding items
- Enjoying being upside down
- Lining up toys or objects
- Hiding themselves or their toys
How does this support my child’s development?
At times, these play styles may appear messy, chaotic, or even a little frustrating. However, while your child is having fun, they are demonstrating curiosity and are exploring important learning opportunities.
Through play, children develop their physical skills, communication, and social and emotional understanding. Schema play also supports early learning in areas such as:
- Spatial awareness
- Understanding force and movement
- Balance and coordination
- Distance and direction
- Sequencing and problem-solving
What may look like simple repetition is often curiosity and learning in action.
Supporting schema play at home
Here are some simple and enjoyable ways to support these play styles in your home environment:
- Roll up socks and throw them into a washing-up bowl. You could turn this into a sorting game by separating clean and dirty socks, a win-win activity.
- Create ramps using boards or guttering to roll cars or balls down. Changing the height helps children notice how speed and movement change.
- Encourage spinning and circular movements through hoop games, circle games, or helping with baking by mixing and stirring.
- Cardboard boxes can become wonderful hiding spaces or imaginative dens.
- Involve your child in gardening activities such as pushing a wheelbarrow, watering plants, or digging in the soil.
- Use a range of containers for sorting objects.
- Provide construction toys such as train tracks, magnetic toys, Lego or blocks, which offer endless opportunities for stacking, connecting and building.
When play looks different
A comment I often hear is: “My child has every toy you can think of, but they just don’t play with them.” When play looks different from what we might expect as adults, it can feel confusing. However, it is important to remember that play is unique to every child and there is no single “right” way to play.
How can we support play when it looks different?
Take time to observe your child and notice the types of play they naturally enjoy. This might include physical, sensory or repetitive play styles.
Our role is not to change the play, but to tune in to our child and value their individual way of exploring. You might consider questions such as: ‘How might this play make my child feel?’ or ‘What enjoyment are they experiencing?’ Notice facial expressions and moments of joy. Trying the play yourself can help you to understand the experience. These shared moments can feel very special, as your child invites you into their world.
Use these opportunities to sit alongside your child and join in. You might mirror their actions or body language, or gently add language by describing what they are doing, for example, “You are spinning the wheels.”
By considering what your child may gain or seek from an activity, you can create positive, supportive play opportunities that build on their interests.