About Orientation Schema

Orientation schema involves an interest in seeing the world from different perspectives, angles, heights, and positions. This usually involves putting their bodies in different positions and locations. Climbing up high and looking down on the world or sitting upside down in a chair, for example. It can also include orienting toys and other objects in odd and interesting ways or observing them from unusual angles. Turning a table on its side or using a mirror to watch what’s happening behind them, for example.

But wait, there’s more. The book Understanding Schemas in Young Children explains, “Other features of orienting behaviour may include building and using ramps, rocking on chairs, climbing hills and slopes, sliding down banisters, rolling, climbing and standing on ledges and objects to get a higher position. A pattern may emerge in children’s actions that links orientation with angles, slopes and shapes as children explore how different objects and their own bodies move on various surfaces.”¹

Suggested Loose Parts

Here’s an incomplete list of loose parts that support this play schema:

Have an idea I should add to the list? Share it in the comments or contact me.

Examples

Some examples of this play schema in action:

Equipment like merry-go-rounds, swings, climbing bars, and ladders allow children to play with orientation. Pause and think about how many exciting ways kids can orient themselves on a merry-go-round like the one pictured above. My favorite was always lying down with my head hanging off the edge, watching the world zip by upside down.

Some children explore orientation schema with spinning and flipping. This can annoy adults during circle time, lunch, or at the grocery store.

Climbing is another way some kids explore orientation schema.

If you don’t want them climbing trees or fences, make sure other options are available.

Laura England writes, “Children exploring an orientation schema will enjoy using mirrors or mirrored items. Think about adding curved mirrors to walls and ceilings to allow them to view the world from different angles. Outside, provide ramps and tunnels to enhance an orientation schema.” ²

Looking at the world from enclosed or low-to-the-ground locations is another way of exploring orientation schema.

Checking out the world above from a ground- level orientation.

There are so many ways to be upside down. Support orientation schema by making inversions easy. This activity is also great for building the vestibular system.

Tools like binoculars are the go-to choice for some kids who want a different perspective. I remember driving through twisty roads in the Black Hills of South Dakota with a van full of kids peering out the windows with binoculars. They groaned and squealed with glee with each approaching turn because it looked like we were headed over the edge.

Finally, trampolines are a great way to support the exploration of different orientations.

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1. Louis, Stella; Beswick, Clare; Featherstone, Sally. Understanding Schemas in Young Children (Featherstone Professional Development) (p. 35). Bloomsbury Publishing. Kindle Edition.
2. England, Laura. Schemas: A Practical Handbook (p. 87). Bloomsbury Publishing. Kindle Edition.