If you are looking for some fun rotation schema toys, this article is for you. Today, we're going to be talking a little bit about what the rotation schema is and going over some things you can do to support your child during this time.
You'll also get 7 awesome recommendations for toys for the rotation schema.
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What is the rotation schema?
If you've noticed that your toddler or preschooler has an intense interest in watching things spin, drawing circles, or even spinning themselves around, they may be in what's called the rotation schema.
It's a play schema wherein young children become very interested in the different ways that things move.
Spinning, turning, and twisting motions in particular are a huge focus for children in the rotation schema.
If you are interested in learning more about play schemas, Melissa Kennedy has written a wonderful article on them.
How can you support your child during the rotation schema?
There are plenty of things you can do to support your child if you suspect they are in the rotation schema.
Along with all the wonderful suggestions in Melissa's article that I mentioned above, buying a few fun toys that support the rotation schema is a great idea.
Below are some fun suggestions.
You'll notice that some of the toys on this list overlap with other play schema toys, like those on the trajectory schema toy list.
This is because some of the play schemas share similar features, and so, of course, so should the toys you choose.
Also, children can be in multiple schemas of play at once. So, if you are not sure which schema your child is in, compare a couple of my toy lists and find toys that overlap.
7 fun rotation schema toys for toddlers and preschoolers
Gear toys
Gear toys are probably the most obvious choice for those shopping for toys to support the rotation schema.
The gear toy featured below lets kids build their own gear system and also watch the pieces move, which is what the rotation schema is all about.
- CONNECT GEARS TO BUILD YOUR OWN ROBOT: Build your own robot…
- ENGINEER NEW ROBOTS: Design new robots, or follow along with the…
- LEARNING WHILE BUILDING: Master engineering, critical thinking,…
Lock and key toy
Lock and key toys make great rotation schema toys. Young children enjoy twisting and turning the keys to open the locks.
There are great fine motor toys, as well, of course.
- Novel digital learning toys: Different from traditional digital…
- Kindergarten classrooms must have learning resources: Every lock…
- The perfect family game: when children are playing alone, this is…
Play-doh
Play-doh is one of many rotation schema toys that is useful for almost all of the play schemas.
If your child is in the rotation schema, they will enjoy rolling and twisting the Play-doh.
- GREAT REFILL OR STARTER PLAY-DOH SET: Whether your child is just…
- SHAPING IMAGINATION: From building their own rainbow to mixing…
- 10 PLAY-DOH CANS: This Play-Doh set includes 2-ounce cans of red,…
Spinning toy
Fat Brain Toys makes some of the best fine motor and educational toys on the market.
This one, while not marketed as a rotation schema toy, fits the bill perfectly.
Children who are in the rotation schema will enjoy placing the gears on the peg and watching them turn as they make their way down.
- ENCOURAGES HAND-EYE COORDINATION: This stacking toy for toddlers…
- PROMOTES CAUSE-AND-EFFECT LEARNING: Watch the discs tumble when…
- SUPPORTS SORTING AND COUNTING SKILLS: Toddlers practice sorting…
Whirly Squigs
These toys are absolutely the coolest and they are perfect for children in the rotation schema.
Children can hold them and play with them like a fidget spinner or they can be suctioned onto a window or refrigerator where kids can spin the “petals” around.
- BPA-Free
- Included Components: Toy
- fully safety tested
Paint rollers
Rolling paint onto paper with a child-size paint roller is a wonderful rotation schema activity.
Children in the rotation schema will enjoy watching the paint roller spin as the paint makes its way onto the canvas.
If you are worried that you may not be able to come up with a project that couple possibly involve the use of a paint roller, I encourage you to read about process art.
Here is the link to some fun process art ideas Melissa Kennedy put together for the site.
No products found.
Sit n' Spin
The fun thing about the rotation schema is that children often incorporate their whole bodies into their play.
A Sit n' Spin is a gross motor toy that allows children to spin themselves while they are seated – a satisfying toy for a child in the rotation schema.
- PLAYTIME COMES FULL CIRCLE : Remember when you discovered how to…
- TURN THE FUN LOOSE : The fun goes round and round with this…
- A CLASSIC SPIN ON ACTIVE PLAY : With spin tactic spinning action,…
There you have it – 7 fun rotation schema toys for toddlers and preschoolers.
Any one of the toys on this list would be great for the rotation schema, however, you can feel free to simply use this list as a guide to choosing your own toys.
Of course, make sure the toys you choose are based on your child's interests, as well as their needs.
What is your favorite toy for the rotation schema? I'm curious to know!
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