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Episode 83: Schema Play Theory (with Heather Bernt-Santy)

In this episode, I had the absolute joy of talking with Heather Bernt-Santy about her new book, How to Use Schema Play to Advocate for Free Play in Early Childhood. It’s packed with insight for anyone who wants to better understand how children learn and explore through schema play.

Heather shares her journey through the early childhood profession and how writing her first book was a full-circle moment. She breaks down what schema play really is and why it matters so much for child development, as well as how schema play connects to major developmental and educational philosophies. If you love geeking out about how children think, learn, and grow through play, this conversation is full of moments you’ll love.

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You can now also find Not Just Cute: The Podcast on Spotify and Amazon Music!

Notes from the Show:

(*May contain affiliate links.)

Heather’s Book: Using Schema Play Theory to Advocate for Free Play in Early Childhood.

Read Heather’s article on schema play for Community Playthings.

Check out Heather’s podcast, That Early Childhood Nerd (and on YouTube).

Follow Heather on Instagram.

Heather and I talked about my book on her podcast here.


Why We Play

Share the importance of play with the Why We Play letters!  1-page prewritten letters for every week of the school year. Add to your own newsletter to help parents, admins, and others in your learning community to understand and value PLAY!

Learn more about Why We Play and sign up for the sample letter at the bottom to ensure you hear about special offers by clicking here!


Bring Play and Powerful PD to Your Team!

Access all the Powerful Play Resources!


Show Highlights:

Heather’s Journey in the Early Childhood Profession

Book Writing

Defining Schema Play

Schema Play in Child Development

Connecting Schema Play to Developmental and Educational Philosophies

Meaningful and Iterative Play

More Topics to Nerd Out On

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I’m Amanda Morgan. Here’s what I’m about…

In early education, there is too much distance between what we know and what we do. I bridge the gaps that exist between academia, decision-makers, educators, and parents so that together, we can improve the quality of early education while also respecting and protecting the childhood experience.

Content Copyrighted (2008-2025), Amanda Morgan, All Rights Reserved

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