247: Understanding Schema Play with Heather Bernt-Santy

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward sits down with Heather Bernt-Santy, better known as That Early Childhood Nerd, to explore the fascinating world of schema play.

Heather shares how recognizing schemas helps educators move beyond simply managing behaviour and instead see the learning, curiosity, and development taking place through play. From transporting and trajectory to enclosing and enveloping, these repeated patterns offer valuable insight into how children make sense of their world.

Together, Carla and Heather discuss:• What schema play is and why it matters• How schemas help us understand behaviour differently• Why curiosity is one of an educator's greatest superpowers• Practical ways to support children's learning without limiting their exploration• How schemas strengthen conversations with families• Why free play deserves a central place in early childhood education.

Whether you're just discovering schema play or have been exploring it for years, this conversation will leave you seeing children's play—and your role as an educator—in a whole new way.

Heather is also the author of Using Schema Play Theory to Advocate for Free Play in Early Childhood, a must-read for educators looking to deepen their understanding of play.

HEATHER BERNT- SANTY

Heather Bernt-Santy, M.A. Ed., also known as That Early Childhood Nerd, has been working with children, their families, and their caregivers for over 30 years and has loved very-nearly-almost every minute. She is a believer in children's right to play and in the science that tells us play IS right. As That Early Childhood Nerd, she offers consulting and webinars, and hosts a podcast. 

LINKS

Website: www.thatearlychildhoodnerd.com 

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Book: 

(Canada) Using Schema Play Theory to Advocate for Free Play in Early Childhood

(US) Using Schema Play Theory to Advocate for Free Play in Early Childhood

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