Demystifying Child's Play | Play Schemas

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.
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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.

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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.
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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
[email protected]
www.playschemas.com
and if you are keen for a freebie... head to playschemas.com/free to see what there is for you!

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.
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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
[email protected]
www.playschemas.com
and if you are keen for a freebie... head to playschemas.com/free to see what there is for you!

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!
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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
[email protected]
www.playschemas.com
and if you are keen for a freebie... head to playschemas.com/free to see what there is for you!

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.
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
[email protected]
www.playschemas.com
and if you are keen for a freebie... head to playschemas.com/free to see what there is for you!