Features

Learning and Development: Schemas Part 1 - Observing ... Scott

In the first of a new series we hear from Carla Hendry, a family worker at Pen Green Nursery, Corby, sharing her observations of one child.

Scott is three years and ten months old and has been attending Pen Green Nursery for five afternoons a week since September 2008. He has a strong urge to 'contain' materials and an interest in dressing up (see box).

I noticed his interest in containing during my early observations of him. He would make sandcastles, both indoors and out, and was satisfied if they retained the shape of the container he had used. He seemed compelled to seek out containers and was confident in choosing the resources around him to support his interest.

As well as his many sand-play experiences, Scott's play also involved dressing up in full-body suits and headdresses, thereby 'containing' and 'enveloping' parts of his body.

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