What is the Connecting Schema?
Hey everyone!
Last week, I gave you the lowdown on the 9 "schemas" that help kiddos learn about their world. Today, we’ll look at the first one: Connecting, and finish with a few ideas on how to support this play style.
So, what's the Connecting schema all about? Basically, it's about joining and unjoining objects, experimenting with how different bits and bobs link and move together, and arranging them into different patterns. Using this play style your little ankle biters can develop all sorts of important skills including creativity, problem-solving, fine motor skills,
and spatial reasoning.
How to Encourage Connecting Schema
Now, let's check out 10 ways you can help your little one level up their Connecting game:
1. Building blocks with different colors and shapes like LEGOs or K'NEX
2. Magnetic tiles and construction pieces
3. Stringing beads to make jewellery
4. Train toys with different connecting cars and tracks
5. Jigsaw puzzles
Or, if you're a bit of a DIY whiz, you can have a go at
1) Make your own cellophane mosaics like this one from early learning videos https://earlylearningideas.com/stained-glass-craft/
2) Paper chains – we loved education.com’s instructions https://www.education.com/activity/article/caterpillar-craft/
3) Make patterns with different colored and shaped buttons, or
4) Homemade playdough - check out this awesome recipe from Living Well Mom https://livingwellmom.com/easy-homemade-playdough-recipe/
5) Remember, it's not just about the toys or projects. You can get involved in the play too by helping out, playing along or just chilling next to them when they want someone to watch.
There you have it! Connecting schema is great for developing creativity, imagination, and spatial reasoning.
If your little one vibes with the Connecting schema, drop a comment below with your favourite play ideas.
Next up: Enclosing Schema.
Cheers,
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