ABSTRACT
This chapter explores schemas as a learning mechanism and as a helpful observational tool that adults can use to develop children's thinking. Educators need to understand that schemas play a crucial role in the wiring of infants and young children's brains. These physical and sensory movements coordinate with the positioning and orientation schema. It is vital for adults to understand that schemas are not new; they are biological and what children do as a fundamental aspect of their development. Children use schemas to understand important abstract mathematical and scientific concepts. Early Years educators need to understand that schemas can be seen as mentally organised categories into which a child's knowledge and experiences fit. By understanding schemas, adults can support and encourage children to play and learn in a way that links to the child's schematic interests. A knowledge and understanding of schemas give adults a language for describing the complexities and connections within children's play.
