Trajectory Play Schema by Age: What Movement Play Looks Like from Birth to 5+

Ever wondered why your baby keeps dropping things, your toddler throws everything in sight, or your preschooler builds elaborate ramps and obstacle courses?

In this episode, we explore age-specific trajectory play behaviours from birth through to five years and beyond, giving you a clear roadmap for how movement play naturally evolves as your child grows.

The Trajectory Play Schema is all about a child’s deep, instinctive urge to explore how objects, and their own bodies, move through space. This isn’t random behaviour or “naughty” play. It’s your child building early foundations for physics, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and confidence through movement.

We’ll walk through four key developmental stages, covering:

• What trajectory play typically looks like at each age
• Why behaviours like throwing, splashing, climbing, and jumping are so important
• How you can confidently support trajectory play at home (without shutting it down)
• What’s developmentally normal, so you can reframe frustration into understanding

From babies tracking movement and dropping spoons, to toddlers testing gravity, to preschoolers designing ramps, chain reactions, and movement-based games, this episode helps you see the learning beneath the behaviour.

If you’re parenting a child aged 0–5 years (or beyond), this episode will help you:

• Understand your child’s movement urges
• Support big body play safely
• Reduce power struggles around throwing and climbing
• Feel more confident responding to messy, energetic play

Send a text

If you’ve ever wished you had a group of parents who just get it — welcome to The Play Schemas Collective. It’s where you can ask questions without judgement, share those little wins only another parent would understand, and dive deeper into your child’s play with people who speak your language. Join us at playschemas.com/collective — we can’t wait to meet you.

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I would love to hear your playtime stories—whether you’re celebrating a win or trying to crack the mystery behind a new behaviour, I’m here for it. Reach out on social media or drop me a message.

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Ruth@PlaySchemas.com
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