7 Fun Trajectory Schema Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers

If you are looking for some fun trajectory schema toys, this article is for you. Today, we're going to be talking a little bit about what the trajectory 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 trajectory schema.

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What is the trajectory schema?

Have you ever noticed how young children seem to enjoy throwing things to see how they land?

Or rolling cars or balls down slides so they can watch their trajectory?

These are examples of the trajectory schema.

The trajectory schema is simply a pattern of play wherein a young child is interested in linear movement.

Melissa Kennedy has a wonderful and thorough play schema explanation for those interested in learning more about each schema.

How can you support the trajectory schema?

If you have noticed your child engaging in a repetitive pattern of play that involves rolling, dropping, throwing, or sliding, they may be in the trajectory schema.

There is plenty you can do to support them during this stage.

Along with incorporating trajectory schema activities into your interactions with your child, there are plenty of trajectory schema toys that can help your child satisfy their play needs, as well.

Throwing toys are one of the more obvious go-to's for parents and caregivers during this stage, however, there are plenty of other toys that are great, as well.

7 fun trajectory schema toys for toddlers and preschoolers

Wooden ball tracker

Large wooden marble runs and ball-tracking toys are great for toddlers and preschoolers in the trajectory schema.

With the toy featured below, you will observe your child repeatedly place the balls on the top of the track and watch in fascination as they roll to the bottom.

This is one of my favorite toys for the trajectory schema.

Car ramp

The car ramp featured below was the very first toy we received after learning that some of our son's behaviors were related to the trajectory schema.

(He would repeatedly drop toy cars down into the floor vents of our home. That's what tipped us off!)

He received this car ramp shortly after his first birthday and it instantly captivated him.

I highly recommend this toy to parents of kids in the trajectory schema.

Percussion instrument toys

Hammering toys and percussion instruments are perfect for kids who are fascinated by the reaction of an item when it is hit with another item.

Since instruments are just great to have around in general, there's no need to worry about spending a bunch of money for one stage of your child's play – these will get lots of use over the years.

Foam gliding planes

Foam gliding planes are sturdier than paper airplanes, as well as more consistent in their trajectory.

With these fun toys, young children can stand on stools and chairs and test out how height and force affect their trajectory.

Basketball & hoop

I mentioned earlier that throwing toys, like balls, are the common go-to's when it comes to trajectory schema toys.

That's because they are actually awesome toys for this play stage.

The basketball and hoop I chose for this list are extra perfect, as it also has a soccer ball and net included.

Both types of toys are great for the trajectory schema.

Tube toy for balls & cars

This neat toy is so simple but so effective at meeting a child's trajectory schema needs.

Most small balls and cars can fit through the tube and there's a nice see-thru middle piece that lets kids watch as their toys roll down.

Kids cooking set

Ok, so the items in this set aren't exactly toys, but this is a Montessori website, so keeping with that theme, I'm going to recommend some Practical Life.

Cooking provides so many opportunities for kids to satisfy their schematic play needs.

Through the use of kids' cooking utensils, including even knives, kids get the opportunity to smash, chop, and stir – all great trajectory schema activities.

Here is a list of fun cooking activities to get you started, as well as some kids ‘cookbook suggestions for if you decide to go this route.

There you have it – 7 fun trajectory schema toys for toddlers and preschoolers.

This list is not comprehensive, of course, but it gives you some good toys to start with.

You should be able to come up with ideas for more trajectory toys on your own after going over this list, though.

As long as the toy you choose lets your child track with their eyes something that flies, drops, rolls, floats, or swings, you're likely choosing a great trajectory schema toy.

As always, choose your child's toys based on their interests, as well as their needs.

What is your child's favorite trajectory schema toy? I'd love to hear about it!

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