035 Throwback Episode: The Magic Behind Repetitive Play | Episode 002

“Why is my toddler always dropping things, spinning, or hiding under the table?”

If you’ve ever found yourself asking this (or wondering if it’s normal)... this episode is for you.

Hi, I’m Ruth from The Play Schemas Collective, and I help parents make sense of their child’s play, so you can stop second-guessing and start enjoying the magic of toddlerhood (meltdowns and all 😉).

In this episode, we’re going back to where it all began: Play Schemas 101.

These repeating actions you’re seeing? They’re not random. They’re part of how your child thinks, explores, and learns. They're called play schemas, and understanding them is a game-changer.

I’ll walk you through the 10 most common play schemas; what they are, what they look like in everyday life, and how you can support them without adding more to your plate.

Here’s a little taster of what we’ll cover:

Trajectory Schema – Think throwing, dropping, pushing. Your child’s learning about gravity, motion, and control.

Transporting Schema – Carrying toys from room to room? That’s spatial learning and organisation in action.

Enveloping Schema – Hiding under blankets or wrapping toys? They’re exploring boundaries and safety.

Rotation Schema – Spinning wheels, twirling in circles… great for motor skills and balance.

Connecting & Disconnecting – Building and breaking apart teaches cause and effect, problem-solving, and fine motor control.

Enclosure & Positioning – Lining up toys, putting things “just so”… they're exploring order, maths concepts, and visual patterns.

Orientation & Transformation – Looking at the world upside down? Mixing sand and water? Yep—that’s creativity, sensory exploration, and big-picture thinking at play.

Plus, I’ll share simple ways you can support these play urges at home, without buying anything new or spending hours setting up fancy activities.

If you’ve ever wondered why your toddler plays the way they do, this episode will help it all click into place.

And remember, this knowledge doesn’t just help your child... it helps you feel calmer, more confident, and less like you're flying blind in the chaos of toddlerhood.

Grab your FREE Play Schemas Cheat Sheet at www.playschemas.com/free and start recognising the patterns in your child’s play today.

I’d love to hear how play is showing up at your place, send me your stories, questions or those “what is

Send us a text

If you’ve ever wished you had a group of parents who just get it — welcome to The Play Schemas Collective. It’s where you can ask questions without judgement, share those little wins only another parent would understand, and dive deeper into your child’s play with people who speak your language. Join us at playschemas.com/collective — we can’t wait to meet you.

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If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review!

I would love to hear your playtime stories—whether you’re celebrating a win or trying to crack the mystery behind a new behaviour, I’m here for it. Reach out on social media or drop me a message.

Facebook and Instagram @play_schemas
[e-mail]
www.playschemas.com

and if you are keen for a freebie... head to playschemas.com/free to see what there is for you!