Understanding the Connection Schema in Early Childhood Development
December 2024
The Connection Schema, which is also closely connected with the schema to disconnect, is a crucial aspect of early childhood learning where children explore how objects connect and separate. During this stage, young learners are naturally drawn to concepts of size, shape, and the forces of pushing and pulling. This curiosity often manifests through play with construction sets like Lego, where they can construct, deconstruct, and experiment with different arrangements.
Children engaged in this schema often gravitate towards areas where they can handle real tools like screwdrivers and hammers. They thrive in arts and collage areas, where they can express their creativity through gluing, sticking, and joining materials together. The joy they find in connecting and disconnecting objects showcases their desire to understand the world around them.
As children delve into their connecting schema, they’re not just playing; they’re gaining vital skills and knowledge. Here are some of the key learning outcomes:
Developing Fine Motor Skills: Manipulating small objects helps children enhance their hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Understanding Cause and Effect: Through trial and error, children learn how different actions lead to various outcomes, such as how a structure might collapse if not balanced correctly.
Exploring Spatial Awareness: Engaging with different shapes and sizes helps children develop an understanding of space and how objects relate to one another.
Building Science and Math Skills: Predicting which structures will hold weight or estimating how many blocks are needed for a specific project fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
To enrich children’s learning experiences, introducing specific vocabulary can significantly enhance their understanding. Here are some terms to incorporate:
Connecting Words: Build, Construct, Join, Together
Separating Words: Separate, Open, Close, Apart, Deconstruct
Descriptive Terms: Flexible, Rigid, Bendy, Stretchy, Strong, Fragile, Heavy, Light
Crafting Terms: Knot, Tie, Thread, Stitch, Weave
By integrating these vocabulary words into play and discussions, you can help children articulate their experiences and deepen their understanding of connections.
To support children in developing their connection schema, consider providing various materials that encourage exploration:
Construction Sets: Provide a variety of building toys, from blocks to more complex construction kits e.g. train tracks, Lego or Duplo, magnets or a marble run.
Tinkering Tools: Stock a safe area with real tools (under supervision) to allow hands-on learning, or invite them to assist you when doing diy projects around the home.
Craft Supplies: Offer crafting materials for creative assembly e.g. ribbons, wool, string, glue, sellotape and blu-tak.
Recycled Materials: Save various recyclable items that can be creatively used e.g cereal boxes, milk bottles, lids and yoghurt pottles.
The Connection Schema is a vital part of childhood development, where play becomes a powerful tool for learning. By understanding and nurturing this aspect of development, you can create enriching environments that foster curiosity, creativity, and essential life skills. Encourage children to explore, experiment, and express their understanding of how things connect and disconnect, and watch their learning flourish!
