What Is the Enveloping Schema?

If your child loves wrapping themselves in blankets, hiding under tables, or stuffing toys into bags or boxes—you may be seeing the Enveloping schema in action.

What Is the Enveloping Schema?

The Enveloping schema is about covering, wrapping, or hiding—whether it’s themselves, other people, or objects. It’s a sign your child is exploring the concepts of inside, outside, and boundaries.

Signs of the Enveloping Schema

You might see your child:

• Wrapping toys in paper, fabric, or tape

• Climbing into boxes or small spaces

• Hiding under blankets, beds, or cushions

• Putting toys into bags, pots, or containers—then taking them out again

• Drawing around objects or shading them in completely

It might look like mess or clutter—but it’s actually deeply purposeful play.

How You Can Support It at Home

There are loads of simple ways to encourage this schema safely and creatively:

• Blanket forts – let your child build and hide in their own special space

• Wrap station – provide scrap paper, ribbons, and tape for wrapping up toys

• Box play – large cardboard boxes are perfect for climbing in or decorating

• Dressing-up clothes – capes, scarves, and hats for covering and layering

• Bags and baskets – let them collect and carry objects around

• Duvet dens and tunnels – crawling through or hiding inside soft spaces

These activities let your child explore ideas of containment, comfort, and transformation.

What We Do at Nursery

We often spot children drawn to the Enveloping schema and provide opportunities like tent play, creative wrapping, and den building. It’s a wonderful way for children to feel secure while exploring new ideas.

Want to Know More?

Every child develops in their own unique way, and schemas help us understand how they’re learning through play. If you think your child is showing signs of a schema and you’d like some ideas on how to support them, feel free to chat with one of our team—we’re always happy to help!