Heather Bernt-Santy on Schematic Play Theory

Heather Bernt-Santy is a public speaker and podcast host and is also known as That Early Childhood Nerd. She 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.

Her new book is called Using Schema Play Theory to Advocate for Free Play in Early Childhood.

In this session, Heather Bernt-Santy introduces Schema Play Theory as a practical and accessible framework for understanding children’s repeated patterns in play.

In this episode you’ll:

• Discover what Schema Play Theory actually is and how it builds on, yet differs from, Piaget’s original ideas about schemas
• Explore the trajectory schema in depth and why play that looks disruptive often signals important scientific and spatial learning
• Learn practical strategies for spotting schemas in your setting, including where to start if you’re completely new to the idea
• Find out how schema observation can strengthen parent partnerships and open up conversations about children’s play at home
• Understand how linking schematic play to literacy, maths and STEM goals can support your advocacy for free play with leadership and policymakers

Watch this session to deepen your understanding of Schema Play Theory and discover how it can help you honour children’s play, strengthen parent communication, and advocate for what children truly need.

Episode Links:

https://www.thatearlychildhoodnerd.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-bernt-santy-6bbb9082

https://www.facebook.com/thatearlychildhoodnerd

https://earlychildhoodnerdwork.podbean.com

https://liberatedlearning.podbean.com

https://pre-primary-sources.podbean.com

https://thehomegrownpodcast.podbean.com

Buy Heather’s book here:

https://amzn.to/49bpd3Y