Paula Shaw

Does your toddler love to line up their toys? Yesterday I introduced play schemas, 9 common patterns observed in toddler play. Here is another: the positioning schema. Positioning involves lining objects up, placing them in a preferred sequence, and - as your toddler’s cognitive and motor skills grow more and more sophisticated - stacking them and/or sorting them by a particular attribute (grouping all the red objects, for example). At its heart, positioning play is your little one working to create a sense of order. And it’s not just with toys. Toddlers exploring position may develop strong feelings about the presentation of their food (a preference to keep items separate on a plate) for example, or even express opinions as to who is to sit where on the couch or at the dinner table. Understanding these common patterns can go a long way toward helping parents (and teachers) to demystify toddler behaviors. I particularly love this video - shared to IG by sienna.hollen - as it combines the positioning schema with an early form of dramatic play (as this little one reenacts the same caregiving routines she herself has experienced within her family.)

Think of child development as an apprenticeship. Sure, there are biological aspects. But so much of who we become depends on the models provided by our parents (and other loved ones) during the earliest years of life. The language they use. The ways they treat others. The ways they manage challenges and stress. All of this and more is being internalized by their children. And they are watching like hawks. I got such a kick out of this little one - shared to IG by ninamonzolevska - following her dad’s lead at a restaurant. His food is hot to the touch. Hers isn’t. But that doesn’t prevent his young apprentice from mimicking that cool thing he does with his hands. Her goal: to be just like him. It’s a big responsibility. But it’s so rewarding. Never forget they are watching.