What Is the Trajectory Schema?

“Why does my child keep throwing everything?” If you’ve asked yourself this, chances are your little one is exploring the Trajectory schema—a common pattern of development in early childhood.

What Is the Trajectory Schema?

The Trajectory schema is all about movement in lines. Children drawn to this schema are fascinated by the way things move—whether it’s up, down, across, or through the air.

Signs of the Trajectory Schema

If your child is currently in the Trajectory Schema You might notice your child:

• Throwing toys, food, or objects (even repeatedly!)

• Pushing toy cars across the floor

• Rolling balls or marbles

• Climbing and jumping off furniture

• Waving arms or legs in repeated patterns

• Watching things fall or fly

While some of these behaviours can feel a bit challenging (like food being flung at dinner!), they’re actually your child’s way of learning about forces, direction, and cause and effect.

How You Can Support It at Home

Instead of trying to stop the throwing, try redirecting it in a safe and purposeful way. Here are some play ideas:

• Outdoor ball games – throwing, rolling, or kicking

• Water play – using cups to pour, squirt, or drip water

• Building ramps – and rolling toy cars or balls down them

• Bubbles and streamers – watch how they float or fly

• Paper airplanes – great for older children interested in direction and distance

• Scarf dancing – waving scarves in patterns to music

These activities satisfy your child’s drive to explore motion while keeping your space (and their siblings!) safe.

What We Do at Nursery

We support the Trajectory schema by setting up movement-rich environments—like outdoor throwing games, sensory play, and construction zones. By noticing these patterns, we help children explore their interests safely and meaningfully.