Have you noticed your child throwing objects, watching how they fly through the air, or sliding toys down a ramp? These actions may seem random or even a bit chaotic, but they’re actually a sign that your child is engaging in the trajectory schema! This schema involves exploring movement, direction, and force, which is a crucial part of their development.
Here are 5 behaviours that indicate your child is exploring the trajectory schema and what each one means:
1. Throwing Objects
Children love to throw balls, toys, or even food from their high chair! While this might be frustrating at times, throwing is a natural way for them to explore how objects move through the air. This behaviour helps them understand concepts like distance, force, and gravity, as well as develop hand-eye coordination.
2. Dropping Things
Your child may repeatedly drop objects from their stroller, crib, or table, intently watching them fall. This behaviour is their way of exploring vertical movement and understanding cause and effect – when they drop something, it falls! It also helps them grasp the concept of height and speed.
3. Running, Jumping, and Climbing
Frequent running back and forth, jumping off furniture, or climbing up and down the stairs are all ways children engage with the trajectory schema through their own body movements. These activities enhance their gross motor skills, balance, and spatial awareness, as they experiment with their body’s movement in space.
4. Kicking Balls or Other Objects
Kicking is another behaviour that demonstrates an understanding of trajectory. When a child kicks a ball or toy, they learn about direction, speed, and force. They are also developing important skills like leg strength, coordination, and aim, which are essential for physical development.
5. Swinging and Spinning
Children may enjoy swinging back and forth or spinning around in circles. This repetitive motion helps them understand rhythm and the physics of circular trajectories, like how objects (or themselves) move in a curved path. It also provides sensory stimulation and helps with balance and body control.
Why the Trajectory Schema Matters
Engaging in the trajectory schema is crucial for developing a child’s physical, cognitive, and sensory skills. As they explore different types of movement, they’re learning about how their actions can affect the world around them. This builds their confidence, encourages problem-solving, and promotes curiosity.
By recognizing these behaviours, you can better support your child’s natural development. Provide them with safe opportunities to explore different types of movement—whether that’s through tossing soft balls, playing on swings, or navigating obstacle courses.
Remember, each throw, drop, or jump is a step toward mastering their understanding of movement and space!
Click here to know all about the Trajectory schema and how to support it in your child
For more activities that support your child's developmental schemas, check out our Play Schema Cards!
