Schemas: behaviour patterns

‘Schemas’ is a word to describe the patterns of repeated behaviour you see in children, e.g. continuously emptying containers, moving items from one place to another, or repeatedly dropping things.

Schemas are often mistaken as negative behaviour when in fact the child is teaching his or herself about the world and how it works.

Observing, recognising and understanding schemas means practitioners can encourage positive behaviours which support and extend the child’s learning and development, and enhance the child’s self-esteem.

This app is a tool to help practitioners understand and identify schemas in children’s behaviour patterns. It suggests potential resources and activities that can be adapted for use, and suggests language to introduce.