Demystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas
Kia ora, Hello! I’m Ruth Vercoe, a teacher-turned-mum, here on a mission to demystify Child’s Play through understanding play schemas.
If you’ve ever found yourself asking, 'Why is my child doing that?'—whether it’s throwing their soft toys, hiding stones around the house, or lining up their crayons —then you’re in the right place, and certainly not alone.
Here, we’ll explore the magic of play through the lens of play schemas—those hidden repeated patterns in your child’s behaviour that hold the key to unlocking more meaningful play and connection.
Join me each week as we dive into playful insights that will help you bring more joy, connection and understanding into your parenting journey.
Get in contact at
Email Ruth@Playschemas.com
Facebook and Instagram @Play_Schemas
Demystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas
064 Play Schema Series - Positioning 101
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
Positioning Play Schema… Why Toddlers Line Things Up
Have you ever noticed your child lining up toys, stacking blocks just so, or arranging snacks before eating them? That’s the Positioning Play Schema in action.
In this episode, we explore what positioning play really is, why toddlers and young children are drawn to order, patterns, and alignment, and how this type of play supports early maths skills, logical thinking, spatial awareness, focus, and emotional regulation.
You’ll learn:
- What the positioning play schema looks like in everyday toddler behaviour
- Why lining up, sorting, and stacking is powerful brain-building work
- How positioning play supports learning, confidence, and a sense of control
- Why this behaviour is not “obsessive”, it’s developmentally essential
If you’re parenting a toddler and wondering why play looks so repetitive or precise, this episode will help you reframe what you’re seeing and support your child’s learning through play.
Perfect for parents of children aged 1–5 who want to better understand play schemas, toddler behaviour, and child development.
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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
Ruth@PlaySchemas.com
www.playschemas.com
and if you are keen for a freebie... head to playschemas.com/free to see what there is for you!