Schemas: A Practical Handbook

Fully updated in light of changes to the Early Years frameworks and new theory and research, Schemas: A Practical Handbook 2nd Edition helps you to understand what schemas look like, why they’re important, and how they can be used to create engaging learning opportunities.

Have you ever wondered why children in your setting persistently play with the door, mix sand with water, or throw things halfway across the room? This easy-to-use, dip-in book explains all these repetitive behaviours (known as schemas) using straightforward language. By providing the right resources and opportunities, Laura England (also known as Little Miss Early Years) strongly believes that these behaviours can be harnessed to unlock learning in young children.

Drawing on her decade of Early Years practice, Laura has fully updated this second edition to include new material on wellbeing, inclusion, and play, as well as updated links to current frameworks such as Development Matters. For each common schema, you will find real-life case studies and photographs that demonstrate what that schema looks like in action. There are lots of new practical, low-cost ideas for creating learning opportunities using treasure baskets, sensory play, outdoor play, and much more!