When Maja came to Pen Green aged three years and five months, our first observations revealed her interest in lines and making lines, particularly cutting paper with scissors, building very tall towers and connecting construction pieces to make long lengths - all activities that indicate an interest in a trajectory schema (see box).
Gradually, we realised that she was working on a cluster of schemas - trajectory, transporting, containing - each of which seemed to dominate for a short time in turn.
Every day she would arrive with a small object or objects, a small notebook, and a bag (sometimes containing make-up) or freezer bag (containing biscuits). At nursery, she enjoyed carrying a random selection of objects around in a large shopping bag, sometimes depositing the contents in a heap on the floor. We realised that Maja was pursuing aspects of a trajectory schema (with an end point), called transporting and heaping.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here