Does your toddler love to throw things? Anything in sight—balls, toys, or food—and they love to throw it away? You might be annoyed, but there’s actually a fascinating reason behind it.
Welcome to the trajectory schema, a natural part of your toddler’s development. And the best part about it is that your child is exploring movement, direction, and force through repetitive play in the most natural and fun way.
There’s a secret, too—you can control it with specific learning activities.
Why does my toddler keep throwing things?
Both my daughters wouldn’t stop throwing things in their toddler phase, and I used to wonder if something was wrong with them. Anything they got on their hands—blocks, spoons, toys—landed up in the air, and this went on for quite a long time. But once I learned about the trajectory schema, I realised it was actually a normal and exciting part of their development.
So, what is the trajectory schema that makes toddlers keep throwing things?
This repetitive play pattern is a part of their play, and through it, your toddler is naturally exploring the concepts of movement like throwing, dropping, pushing, and rolling. Their brain is actually working hard to understand motion, direction, speed, and gravity with these learning activities.
It’s not a random mischievous act of theirs but rather science in action. And the best part? We can nurture this instinct and turn it into learning with the right toddler learning activities that are fun, simple, and educational.
Don’t worry! Once you understand what is really happening, you will feel more patient and even excited to support it with the right learning activities. I have been there and watched my children transform with activities that guided them at their own pace in the most natural way.
7 toddler activities that support the trajectory schema
These 7 fun learning activities helped me channel my little one’s energy in a way that supported their development and made cleaning up after play much easier!
1. Ball ramp roll
Create a DIY ramp using a tray or cardboard box propped up with books, and let your toddler roll balls or cars down and explore how fast or far they go. This activity will tap right into the trajectory schema and help build STEM thinking.
You are not just entertaining them but instead giving them activities that spark observation, focus, and decision-making. You can add learning educational toys like the multi-puzzle activity or the rainbow stack-and-match activity to make it more engaging.
2. Soft toy toss
A laundry basket + soft toys = the perfect throwing zone. Show your toddler how to aim and toss, and cheer them on with every successful “score.” This is one of those fun learning activities that teaches hand-eye coordination patience, and helps develop their gross motor skills.
Toddler activities like these safely explore the trajectory schema, especially when you are indoors and short on space.
3. Water drop play
Give your child a dropper or pipette and small bowls of water to explore learning through play, like squeezing, dropping, and pouring. This simple setup is a sensory-rich way to support fine motor development and observe how water moves.
Even though it’s a quieter game, it’s still deeply tied to the trajectory schema and makes a wonderful toddler learning activity. Check out our Big Dropper learning educational toy for this game.
4. Balloon batting
Blow up a balloon and let your toddler hit it gently with their hands or a spoon, and watch how this unpredictable movement builds spatial awareness and motor control.
This is one of my favourite toddler activities for rainy days, and making wonderful memories with them. This is all about movement, and the joy of watching them enjoy things travel in space. It is a pure trajectory schema magic with 100% learning through play.
5. Rolling cars on a track
Tape a long “road” across your floor in multiple directions and make your toddler roll toy cars across the room. Through this, your toddler will be testing out different paths, speeds, and angles.
It’s one of those hands-on toddler learning activities that’s not just play but also learning. It is teaching them about force, direction, and prediction through fun games. Try using different coloured tapes for such toddler activities to keep things exciting and structured.
6. Drop zone game
Set up a drop zone with a chair or stool and a container underneath, and ask your toddler to drop balls, blocks, and even cotton balls into it. They will love watching how each item behaves and getting introduced to basic problem-solving and cause-and-effect learning.
This activity helps nurture the trajectory schema and is a perfect example of how toddler activities can be both playful and educational.
7. Sock pendulum play
You need to fill a sock with a soft ball and let your child push and swing it with joy. You can make it more fun by adding cups to knock over and making it a toddler version of bowling.
Sensory toddler activities like these explore motion, rhythm, and direction. Use it alongside a learning educational toy like vertical stackers or colour-matching activities to increase challenge and engagement.
Click here to explore our other range of fun and learning educational toys for more such enjoyable toddler activities.
Here is a quick recap for busy mothers:
7 fun learning activities for the trajectory schema phase
- Ball ramp roll
- Soft toy toss
- Water drop play
- Balloon batting
- Rolling cars on a track
- Drop zone game
- Sock pendulum play
From chaos to connection: Embrace the throwing toddler activities
If your toddler is throwing everything in sight, don’t panic—it’s not an indication of their “bad” behaviour. It’s their little brain working hard through the trajectory schema. With the right toddler learning activities and a few well-chosen learning educational toys, you can turn this into a meaningful, connection-building time for both of you.
These fun learning activities helped me bond with my toddler and understand their world so much better. And you know what? I actually used to look forward to these little “experiments in motion” they were doing every day.
Let the throwing be learning! Try a few of these fun toddler activities this week and see the difference.
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Got a favourite trajectory schema moment or a go-to learning toy? Share it in the comments—I would love to cheer you on in your parenting journey!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is throwing a sign of bad behaviour or aggression in toddlers?
If your toddler is smiling or deeply focused while throwing, it’s likely the trajectory schema, not aggression. However, if they show frustration or are hitting, then it could signal emotional dysregulation, which needs addressing with gentle emotional support.
2. At what age does the trajectory schema typically appear?
The trajectory schema usually shows up between 12 months and 3 years, though every child is different. Some toddlers show intense interest in throwing and motion earlier or later, and it often fades or evolves as they master cause-and-effect learning and spatial awareness.
3. How long does this throwing phase last?
Some kids go through it quickly in a few months; others may enjoy motion-based play for years. When throwing seems purposeful and focused, your child is likely still exploring the schema. However, when it becomes repetitive and chaotic, they may just need redirection or a new challenge.
4. What if my toddler is throwing things that aren’t safe, like plates or remote controls?
The best approach in such cases can be redirection by offering safer alternatives like soft balls, bean bags, or learning educational toys designed for motion play. Say something like, “We throw soft toys, not remotes. Let’s toss these instead!”
Remember, you are not punishing curiosity—you are guiding it.
5. How do I balance encouraging schema play without encouraging mess?
Setting up “yes zones” helps—think baskets for tossing, ramps for rolling, and a dedicated area for movement play. That way, your toddler gets to explore without your house looking like a windstorm hit it.
I liked to keep a “trajectory bin” handy for those throw-happy moments.
6. Are there any screen-free toys that support trajectory schema?
Look for learning educational toys like ball runs, car ramps, parachute toys, stacking rings, and simple bean bags. Even household items like cardboard tubes or laundry baskets can be turned into engaging trajectory schema tools. Bonus: they keep toddlers active and off screens.
7. My toddler keeps throwing food—what now?
Mealtime throwing can also be part of the trajectory schema (yep, even peas!). Offer a safe tossing outlet after meals and during meals, and give small portions. You can also say, “Food stays on the plate, but we’ll play with the ball after lunch.” Toddlers need repetition and clear, gentle boundaries.