Schemas in play workshops
Throwing, tipping, hiding, lining up, wrapping — repeated play patterns are not disruption, they are research. This workshop helps educators spot schemas and plan for them instead of against them.
Led by Amy Byrne — BA (Hons) Level 8 in Early Childhood Education and Care, currently studying a Level 9 postgraduate in play therapy. One hour, live online from Ireland, with a booklet to keep and a certificate of attendance.
What you'll take away
- Identify the common schemas: trajectory, transporting, enclosing, rotation, connecting and more
- Reframe 'challenging' behaviour as schema-driven learning
- Plan provision that feeds a schema safely
- Record schema observations in a way that supports curriculum planning
What we cover
- Schema spotting in the room and outdoors
- Resourcing on a small budget with open-ended materials
- Talking to parents about repetitive play
- Links to Aistear's themes and Síolta standards
Common questions
- Do I need prior training in schema theory?
- No. The session starts from first principles and is designed for practitioners at any stage, including students and room assistants.
- Does it link to Aistear and Síolta?
- Yes — schema observation is mapped to Aistear's Exploring and Thinking theme and to Síolta's curriculum and planning standards.
Workshops in this theme
- Encouraging Independent PlayConfidence in playing independently while still feeling emotionally secure and connected.
- Loose Parts and Open-Ended PlayRich learning using natural, recycled and everyday materials that encourage imagination and problem-solving.
- Understanding Schemas in Children's PlayTransporting, enclosing, rotation, trajectory and other repeated play patterns to inform planning.
- Supporting Children Through PlayThe essential role of play in learning, relationships and regulation.
Other workshop topics
All 53 workshop themes · Counties we serve · Play & learning blog
Explore more on Roots of Wonder
- WorkshopEncouraging Independent PlayConfidence in playing independently while still feeling emotionally secure and connected.Explore
- WorkshopLoose Parts and Open-Ended PlayRich learning using natural, recycled and everyday materials that encourage imagination and problem-solving.Explore
- TopicSensory playWorkshops on sensory playExplore
- TopicCurriculum planningWorkshops on curriculum planningExplore
- TopicOutdoor learningWorkshops on outdoor learningExplore
- CourseAistear in Practice: Planning from Children's InterestsA plain-English course on Aistear's four themes and how to plan emergent, interest-led experiences without disappearing into paperwork.Explore
Trusted early years resources
Every workshop is grounded in Irish early years frameworks and national guidance.
- Aistear: the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework (NCCA)
- Síolta: the National Quality Framework
- Children First national guidance (Tusla)
- First 5: Ireland's strategy for babies & young children
- Early Childhood Ireland
Workshop themes · Book a date · Counties we serve · Play & learning blog · FAQ · About Amy