Demystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas

Ruth Vercoe
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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 atEmail Ruth@Playschemas.comFacebook and Instagram @Play_Schemas

  1. 6D AGO

    068 Play Schema Series - Enveloping 101

    Why does your child love wrapping themselves in blankets, hiding toys in bags, or covering everything in paint? It’s not mess... it’s the Enveloping Play Schema. In this final episode of our 10-part play schemas series on Demystifying Child’s Play, Ruth Vercoe breaks down what enveloping play really is, how to spot it in toddlers and preschoolers, and why it supports early maths, science, body awareness, and emotional regulation. You’ll also learn the key difference between enveloping and enclosure (they’re often confused!), so you can respond with confidence instead of frustration. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this normal?”... this episode is for you. Send us Fan Mail Support the show 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 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!

    7 min

  2. MAR 18

    067 Play Schema Series - Enclosure 101

    Why your child keeps fencing things in (and why it matters) If your toddler is constantly building walls, creating “no entry” zones, drawing borders, or sitting inside boxes and small spaces, you’re not raising a bossy or controlling child. You’re seeing the Enclosure Play Schema in action. In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, Ruth Vercoe breaks down enclosure play and explains why children are driven to surround, fence, and define spaces in their play. Learn how enclosure supports spatial awareness, early maths skills, planning, problem-solving, and emotional regulation, especially for sensitive or anxious children. Discover the difference between enclosure and enveloping, what repetition really means for development, and how understanding play schemas can reduce power struggles and transform the way you respond to toddler behaviour. If you want more calm, confidence, and clarity around your child’s play, this episode is for you. Send us Fan Mail Support the show 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 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!

    7 min

  3. MAR 11

    066 Play Schema Series - Orientation 101

    Why is your child always upside down? It might be the Orientation Play Schema. In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we explore the orientation play schema, the powerful drive behind children hanging upside down, climbing high, bending through their legs, and constantly changing their perspective. If your toddler loves to roll, invert, tip, and view the world from every possible angle, they’re not being reckless or attention-seeking. They’re learning. Discover what orientation play really is, why movement is the tool (not the goal), and how children develop spatial awareness, balance, and perspective through this instinctive behaviour. This episode is part of a 10-part series on the top 10 play schemas, helping you understand toddler behaviour through a child development lens so you can respond with confidence instead of frustration. If climbing, hanging, and upside-down antics are a daily occurrence in your home, this one will change the way you see it. Send us Fan Mail Support the show 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 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!

    7 min

  4. MAR 4

    065 Play Schema Series - Rotation 101

    The reason spinning is actually good for your child (Rotation Play Schema) Is your toddler constantly spinning, twisting taps, rolling wheels, or obsessing over anything that turns? It’s not chaos, it’s the Rotation Play Schema. In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we unpack why children are drawn to spinning and circular movement, what their brains and bodies are learning, and how rotation play supports maths, science, problem-solving, balance, and body awareness. You’ll also discover how rotation links with trajectory play, why this behaviour is developmentally appropriate, and how to move from frustration to confidence by supporting it safely. If you’ve ever wondered why your child won’t stop spinning, this episode will change how you see toddler behaviour forever! Send us Fan Mail Support the show 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 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!

    8 min

  5. FEB 25

    064 Play Schema Series - Positioning 101

    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 behaviourWhy lining up, sorting, and stacking is powerful brain-building workHow positioning play supports learning, confidence, and a sense of controlWhy this behaviour is not “obsessive”, it’s developmentally essentialIf 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. Send us Fan Mail Support the show 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 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!

    6 min

  6. FEB 18

    063 Play Schema Series - Transportation 101

    Transportation Play Schema Explained... Why Toddlers Carry Everything Everywhere Have you ever wondered why your toddler insists on carrying toys from room to room, filling backpacks with random objects, or pushing a pram loaded with teddies across the house on repeat? In this episode, we’re diving into the Transportation Play Schema, one of the most common (and often misunderstood) play schemas in early childhood. Transportation play is all about moving objects from one place to another. While it can look messy, chaotic, or even frustrating at times, this behaviour is actually deeply purposeful. It’s how young children make sense of journeys, distance, order, and belonging in their world. You’ll learn: What the transportation schema is and how it shows up in toddler and preschool playWhy children feel such a strong urge to carry, push, collect, and relocate objectsHow transportation play supports brain development, including sequencing, categorisation, and spatial awarenessThe emotional side of transportation play, comfort, control, confidence, and independenceHow to reframe “messy” behaviour into meaningful learningSimple ways to support transportation play at home (without fighting it)We also explore how recognising play schemas can dramatically reduce parental frustration. When you understand the why behind your child’s behaviour, it becomes much easier to lean into their play rather than push against it. Whether this is your first introduction to play schemas or part of your ongoing journey with The Play Schemas Collective, this episode will help you see your child’s play, and learning, in a whole new way. If you’re ready to stop battling the mess and start understanding the magic behind it, this episode is for you. Follow along for more toddler behaviour insights, play schema explanations, and practical parenting support. Send us Fan Mail Support the show 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 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!

    8 min

  7. FEB 11

    062 Play Schema Series - Age Specific Trajectory Behaviour

    Trajectory Play Schema by Age: What Movement Play Looks Like from Birth to 5+ Ever wondered why your baby keeps dropping things, your toddler throws everything in sight, or your preschooler builds elaborate ramps and obstacle courses? In this episode, we explore age-specific trajectory play behaviours from birth through to five years and beyond, giving you a clear roadmap for how movement play naturally evolves as your child grows. The Trajectory Play Schema is all about a child’s deep, instinctive urge to explore how objects, and their own bodies, move through space. This isn’t random behaviour or “naughty” play. It’s your child building early foundations for physics, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and confidence through movement. We’ll walk through four key developmental stages, covering: What trajectory play typically looks like at each ageWhy behaviours like throwing, splashing, climbing, and jumping are so importantHow you can confidently support trajectory play at home (without shutting it down)What’s developmentally normal, so you can reframe frustration into understandingFrom babies tracking movement and dropping spoons, to toddlers testing gravity, to preschoolers designing ramps, chain reactions, and movement-based games, this episode helps you see the learning beneath the behaviour. If you’re parenting a child aged 0–5 years (or beyond), this episode will help you: Understand your child’s movement urgesSupport big body play safelyReduce power struggles around throwing and climbingFeel more confident responding to messy, energetic playSend us Fan Mail Support the show 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 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!

    11 min

  8. FEB 4

    061 Play Schema Series - Transformation 101

    Why is my toddler so messy? If your child loves mixing, squishing, pouring, smearing, and turning everyday materials into something new, you’re likely seeing the Transformation Play Schema in action. In this episode, we explore the Transformation Play Schema, one of the most powerful and misunderstood play schemas in early childhood. Play schemas are deep, instinctive urges that drive children’s play and support brain development, learning, and emotional regulation. The Transformation Schema is all about change: how materials change in texture, colour, shape, size, and consistency. From mud kitchens and potion-making to paint-covered arms and melting ice, this kind of messy play isn’t misbehaviour, it’s high-value learning. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the Transformation Play Schema isWhy messy play is essential for toddler and preschooler developmentHow children learn cause and effect through transformation playWhat transformation looks like in everyday playWhy repetition matters for brain developmentHow understanding play schemas can reduce power struggles and big emotionsYou’ll also hear why transformation play starts early, why it can feel repetitive, and how supporting this schema, instead of fighting it, can make parenting calmer and more connected. Send us Fan Mail Support the show 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 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!

    9 min
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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 atEmail Ruth@Playschemas.comFacebook and Instagram @Play_Schemas

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