That Early Childhood Nerd Episode 369: Heather Wrote a Book!

Name: That Early Childhood Nerd Episode 369: Heather Wrote a Book!
Uploaded: 2025-06-26T17:30:53.000Z
Duration: 2 h 4 min 4 s

Welcome to That Early Childhood Nerd

Introduction and Context

Heather Burnt Santi introduces the episode, expressing her unpreparedness for the discussion.

She mentions reaching out to guests last minute while relaxing in a tub, indicating a casual approach to planning.

The episode is described as an "Uno reverse" episode, hinting at a twist in the usual format.

Discussion on Play

A quote highlights the importance of play in children's lives and how systems are erasing it; advocates can create better systems that support play.

The conversation shifts as more participants join, revealing that some quotes were from Heather's book rather than the article she was supposed to read.

Schema Play Theory Explained

Understanding Schema Play

Heather explains schema play theory, which originated from Chris Ay's research in the 1970s focused on what children learn through play.

She describes how repeated patterns observed in children's play led to identifying various schemas (over 40 recognized but currently focusing on 8 or 10).

Advocacy Through Schema Play

Heather emphasizes that schema play provides a lens for understanding seemingly meaningless behaviors in children’s play.

This perspective aids advocacy efforts by helping educators recognize and value different types of play beyond traditional definitions.

Cultural Differences in Understanding Play

There is a noted disparity between countries like Canada and Australia versus the U.S. regarding familiarity with schema play theory.

Heather reflects on her own experience researching this topic during her master's thesis, highlighting its emerging recognition within U.S. educational contexts.

Understanding Schema Play and Exploration

Differentiating Play and Exploration

The speaker reflects on a recent discussion about the distinction between play and exploration, suggesting that what they previously considered schema play might align more with exploration based on another person's definition.

They describe a child's activity of mixing flour or cornstarch with water as both transformative (changing states from solid to liquid) and exploratory (investigating properties), indicating that schema exploration and schema play coexist.

Book Pre-order Information

Discussion shifts to an upcoming book, with pre-orders expected to be available in June, while actual availability is anticipated in October or November.

The book will be published by Teachers College Press, and it is suggested that readers check teacherscolpress.com for pre-order options.

Accessibility of Schema Knowledge

One participant expresses appreciation for the author's ability to make complex schema concepts accessible through structured explanations in the book.

They note that despite having read articles on schema before, the book's clarity helps them recognize these patterns in children's behavior more effectively.

Practical Applications of Schema Understanding

A participant shares a personal anecdote about applying knowledge of transporting schemas during interactions with toddlers, highlighting how understanding these patterns can enhance teaching practices.

They emphasize the importance of recognizing named patterns of play rather than merely imitating children’s actions, which fosters deeper engagement.

Value Perception in Children's Play

The conversation touches upon varying perceptions of children's play across different audiences, stressing that viewing it through a schema lens reveals its inherent value.

An example is shared where a child creatively organized toys into a "dragon horde," illustrating how children express themselves through imaginative play amidst chaotic environments.

Understanding Children's Play and Schema

The Importance of Play in Child Development

The speaker discusses a child's play behavior, emphasizing the significance of their actions, even if they appear messy to outsiders.

In an ideal world, children would be allowed to play freely; however, societal perceptions often hinder this freedom.

The concept of "crowds" is introduced as different audiences (neuroscience crowd, parents, teachers) with varying values regarding child development.

Connecting Schema Theory to Different Audiences

During a presentation at IPA USA's conference in 2022, the speaker developed the idea of "crowds" to better communicate schema theory's relevance to diverse groups.

Each schema story in the book connects its value to specific audiences—like neuroscience enthusiasts or concerned parents—highlighting what they might gain from understanding children's play.

Emphasizing Child-Centered Learning

The speaker appreciates how children's play can be linked to clear learning trajectories without imposing adult-driven agendas on their experiences.

There’s a critique of traditional theories that attempt to structure child development into linear stages rather than recognizing the complexity and non-linearity inherent in play.

Understanding Schema Beyond Linear Development

The essence of schema is described as a complex interplay of various developmental processes occurring simultaneously rather than sequentially.

There's an acknowledgment that many still seek linear pathways for child development despite evidence suggesting it is more intricate and interconnected.

Shifting Perspectives on Play and Learning

A call for a paradigm shift: educators and caregivers need to adjust their thinking about child development from linear progression towards embracing the chaotic nature of play.

The discussion highlights that while cognitive aspects are often emphasized in schema theory, social and emotional dimensions are equally important in understanding children's play.

Understanding Play and Learning in Early Childhood

The Role of Play in Learning

A story is shared about toddlers using Play-Doh, illustrating different approaches to play: one child uses popsicle sticks while another smashes and pulls the dough. This highlights diverse methods of engagement.

The speaker connects the concepts of "connecting and disconnecting" in play to "composing and decomposing," emphasizing their importance in literacy and math learning.

There’s a moment of self-doubt regarding the authenticity of this connection, but reassurance from a colleague affirms its validity.

Schema Theory in Child Development

Discussion on how children's play reflects various schemas, which encompass social-emotional experiences, school readiness, literacy, science, and brain development.

The speaker notes potential repetitiveness in discussing these themes but recognizes the depth of children's play that warrants further exploration.

Not all children exhibit recognizable schemas; some have defined patterns (e.g., enclosing or rotating), while others display varied behaviors that may not fit neatly into one schema.

Ethical Considerations in Storytelling

The speaker mentions obtaining parent release forms for children featured in stories but opts to use pseudonyms as advised by an editor for privacy reasons.

An anecdote about a child named Gus who chose "Link" as his pseudonym due to past school incidents adds a personal touch to the discussion on identity within storytelling.

Reflections on Writing Process

A humorous exchange reveals confusion among participants about the podcast's focus—whether it’s about Heather's accomplishments or her book specifically.

Praise for Heather Burnt Santi emphasizes her credibility as an author whose work is scientifically accurate and heartfelt, even without having read her book yet.

Book Title Insights

The title of Heather's book is revealed as “Using Schema Play Theory to Advocate for Free Play in Early Childhood,” though she expresses mixed feelings about it at times.

A light-hearted discussion ensues regarding working titles; Heather humorously refers to it as “Heather's most awesome book” during its creation phase.

Personal Motivation Behind Writing

Heather shares her long-standing desire to write since age 11 after being inspired by reading Little Women, indicating a deep-rooted passion for writing that culminated in this project.

The Journey to Writing a Book

Early Aspirations and Podcast Influence

The speaker reflects on their childhood desire to write a book, feeling they had valuable insights to share throughout their career.

Sarah Jubar, an acquisitions editor at Teachers College Press, reached out during COVID, suggesting the speaker should write a book based on their master's thesis about schema play.

Challenges and Changes in Topic

Initially interested in writing about schema play, the speaker faced challenges when someone else planned to write a similar book, prompting them to consider different topics.

After battling cancer for a year and a half, the speaker reconnected with Jubar who had changed publishers and encouraged them to revisit the idea of writing.

Development of Ideas and Format

The speaker returned to the original schema idea after realizing that the alternative topic lacked passion.

Feedback from Mike highlighted issues with initial drafts; he found them too detailed for effective communication. This led to adjustments in writing style.

Anticipation of Book Release

Plans for the book's release include pre-orders in June and availability by October or November. The lengthy process has made it feel like an eternity for both the author and listeners.

Personal Reflections on Play and Creativity

The speaker reminisces about their childhood play experiences involving pretend scenarios that align with concepts of transforming schemas.

They discuss how they creatively transformed Barbies into various characters using real baby dresses and other materials, showcasing imaginative play linked to early education themes.

Influences and Inspirations in Education

The Impact of "Little Women"

The podcast hosts reflect on the influence of "Little Women," particularly a quote about teaching that emphasizes knowledge alone does not make one a good teacher.

They discuss how Louisa May Alcott's father was a progressive educator, which is evident in the narrative of "Little Men" where progressive education is central to the story.

Favorite Stories and Educational Insights

A memorable story from "Little Women" involves Amy's experience with a strict teacher, highlighting the importance of understanding different teaching styles.

The hosts share their favorite stories from children's experiences, emphasizing creativity and resourcefulness in play, such as using unconventional items like pool noodles for imaginative projects.

Key Figures and Their Influence

Chris Ay is identified as a significant inspiration for the book being discussed, along with Tiffany Piol who introduced her to this work.

The discussion touches on an instructor's lack of familiarity with schema theory, which sparked a strong response from the author to delve deeper into it.

Messages and Advocacy in Education

The main takeaway from the book is that play should be valued deeply; it's essential for both children’s development and professional growth for educators.

Emphasis is placed on advocating for children's needs through thoughtful observation and engagement in their play activities.

Empowerment Through Storytelling

Quotes from the conclusion of the book resonate strongly with readers, encouraging them to collect stories about children's experiences as part of advocacy efforts.

The importance of documenting children's play is highlighted as crucial for connecting with families and demonstrating value in early childhood education.

Understanding Schema in Child Play and Learning

The Connection Between Child Behavior and Schema

The peculiar behaviors of children, such as unusual play with objects, can be linked to schema theory, making it accessible for parents to understand their child's actions.

Examples include a child using packing tape creatively or asking about the schema behind a plastic hot dog on a toilet seat, illustrating how everyday items can reflect deeper cognitive processes.

Applying Schema Theory to Toy Selection

When advising parents on toy purchases for young children, considering their interests through the lens of schema (e.g., do they enjoy putting things inside other things?) provides a more effective approach than traditional methods.

This method empowers parents by helping them identify toys that align with their child's natural inclinations rather than generic interests.

Insights from Observing Play Patterns

Adults often misinterpret children's play; for instance, lining up chairs is commonly seen as imaginative play related to transportation when it may actually relate to understanding connections between objects.

A specific case involving a child named Millie highlights how her interest in train tracks was not about trains but rather about exploring connections and interactions among pieces.

Surprises in Writing About Mathematical Learning

The author expresses newfound confidence in discussing mathematical concepts within early childhood education after researching various play stories and their mathematical implications.

There’s an emphasis on broadening the understanding of math beyond basic counting and numbers, recognizing the importance of experiential learning through play.

Evidence-Based Approaches in Early Childhood Education

The discussion emphasizes the need for play-based programs to incorporate research-based evidence supporting free play pedagogy, enhancing credibility when addressing curriculum requirements.

By framing discussions around schema theory, educators can challenge traditional gender-based assumptions about children's play preferences.

Understanding Schema Play in Education

Challenging Traditional Educational Norms

The speaker emphasizes the need to challenge traditional views that adults must control and plan all learning experiences for them to be meaningful.

There is a recognition of a deeper understanding of math learning, allowing educators to resist the pressure of academic pushdown in early childhood education.

The speaker argues against rigid time slots for subjects like math, highlighting that children's cognitive processes are interconnected rather than compartmentalized.

Gender Dynamics in Play

A personal anecdote about a child named Millie illustrates societal expectations regarding gendered play, where she transitioned from dramatic play (often seen as feminine) to playing with trains (often viewed as masculine).

The discussion suggests moving away from labeling play by gender and instead focusing on the process of play, which can help dismantle limiting beliefs around gender roles.

Barriers to Supporting Schema Play

The speaker discusses barriers educators face in promoting schema play, including external pressures from administrators, curriculum demands, and parental expectations.

Advocacy is highlighted as crucial; educators must articulate the importance of schema play and defend their practices against these pressures.

Building Confidence in Educators

Educators need to become knowledgeable about schema play so they can confidently explain their choices and practices to parents and colleagues.

If educators lack confidence in defending their methods, they may default to easier options like following prescribed curricula or circle times instead of fostering exploratory learning.

Resources for Educators

The speaker expresses hope that their upcoming book will serve as a valuable resource for teachers and caregivers looking to justify their educational practices.

An elective course titled "Play and Movement in Early Childhood" has been introduced at IvyTech campus, indicating an institutional shift towards valuing play-based learning approaches.

There’s contemplation about using the author's own book as part of this course material, reflecting on its relevance for both students and practitioners.

Importance of Academic Framing

The title "schema play theory" is discussed; it aims to lend scientific credibility to discussions around children's play while also acknowledging its complexity.

Using academic language serves not only as a means of validation but also helps early educators appreciate the intricate nature of children’s developmental processes through play.

The Importance of Validity in Early Childhood Education

Emphasizing Professionalism and Intellectual Pursuit

The discussion highlights the need for early childhood education to be recognized as a valid profession, emphasizing scientific validity and a professional mindset.

The podcast has consistently conveyed that early childhood education is not just about love and care but also an intellectual pursuit, reinforcing its importance in the field.

A book release is mentioned, which aims to echo the podcast's message, making it a thoughtful gift for educators and parents alike.

There are plans for an engaging book launch party in November, suggesting community involvement with fun activities like highlighters and post-it notes as part of an "early childhood nerd kit."

The conversation reflects on personal connections among participants, showcasing their support during the challenging process of writing the book.

Personal Reflections on Support During Writing Process

One participant expresses gratitude towards others for their encouragement throughout the book-writing journey, highlighting the emotional aspect of collaboration.

A flip chart page filled with positive affirmations from peers served as motivation during moments of discouragement while writing.