Understanding the Trajectory Schema: Why Children Love to Throw!

“Why does my child keep throwing things?” If this sounds familiar, your little one might be exploring something known as the Trajectory Schema — a fascinating stage in their early learning journey.

What Is the Trajectory Schema?

The Trajectory Schema is all about exploring movement and direction. Children showing this schema are curious about how things move — whether they’re flying through the air, rolling across the floor, or dropping from a height. It’s their way of investigating cause and effect, speed, and gravity through play.

How to Spot the Trajectory Schema

You might notice your child:

• Throwing toys, food, or small objects repeatedly

• Rolling cars, marbles, or balls

• Climbing up and jumping off furniture

• Enjoying swinging their arms or legs in patterns

• Watching objects fall or fly through the air

While these actions can sometimes feel frustrating (especially at mealtimes!), they’re an important part of your child’s physical and cognitive development.

Ways to Support This Schema at Home

Rather than discouraging throwing, offer safe opportunities to explore movement and direction. Try:

• Outdoor ball play – rolling, throwing, or kicking

• Water play – pouring, squirting, and filling containers

• Ramps and runs – build slopes for cars or balls to roll down

• Bubbles and ribbons – watch how they float and move

• Paper planes or bean bags – perfect for older children exploring distance

• Dancing with scarves – great for rhythm, flow, and coordination

These kinds of play activities channel your child’s curiosity safely while helping them develop coordination and spatial awareness.

How We Support the Trajectory Schema at Nursery

At House on the Dials, we create environments rich in opportunities for movement and exploration. Children can engage in safe throwing games outdoors, water and sand play, and construction activities that involve rolling, tipping, and pouring. By observing each child’s unique play patterns, our team supports their learning and development in a way that’s both purposeful and fun.