That Early Childhood Nerd

11/25/2025

I love and hate that it’s just out there for the world to read, lol!! It makes me so proud but also so nervous!

Cant wait to dive into this much-needed resource!

I dont know Heather super well, but what I do know for sure is she is a thorough researcher.

The majority of my knowledge of schema play comes from a blog post I read in 2014, a fantastic resource by Michelle Thornhill and my own observations of child-led play.

That knowledge has led to me to believe, with every ounce of my being, scheme play is a vital key to understanding children and what they do when allowed to LEAD.

Environments for children should be set with grand attention to the most common play schemes and definitely for the play schemes you observe your current group of children ORGANICALLY exploring in their play.

Again, I am THRILLED there is a trustworthy, well-researched source of info for us all!!!

****DONT MISS THE BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL on my upcoming "Art of Empowering Children Certification"

There is an entire module all about creating environments that meet each child's scheme play needs.

https://listen-to-the-children-academy.teachable.com/p/the-art-of-empowering-children-certification-2025-111

11/22/2025

💬 What does it look like to move beyond anti-bias education and truly center justice in early childhood spaces?

Join North Seattle College faculty Dr. Jamie Cho and Ninderjit Gill for “Building Beyond Anti-Bias Education: Centering Justice in Early Childhood Practice.”

In this transformative session, you’ll explore:
🔹 How everyday classroom practices can reinforce or disrupt inequity
🟣 Ways Eurocentrism, monolingualism, and ableism appear in early learning
👀 How to recognize dominant cultural norms in curriculum and routines
🌱 Actionable steps for centering justice, identity, and belonging

Walk away with a clearer vision of what justice-centered teaching can look like—and how to create programs where every child and family feels seen, heard, and valued.

🗓️ April 16, 2026 | 2–3:30 PM EST
🎟️ Register free: https://ecewebinars.com/4oGiLrt

11/19/2025

You know that moment during story time when a child bounces up, points at the page, and starts talking excitedly about what they see?

It's tempting in those moments to worry you are losing control of the group. But this week, early childhood educator Mike Huber helps us respond differently.

He reminds us that the bouncing child isn't necessarily disrupting—they might be your most engaged learner. Children think and process with their whole bodies, not just their ears.

Read Mike's full article for strategies that work in the classroom and honor children's natural need to move: https://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/engaging-active-learners

11/19/2025

The holidays are coming and with that, potentially stressful conversations with extended family. Listen as psychologist Mona Delahooke shares a helpful script of talking points

11/19/2025

❄️ What if winter weather wasn’t something to avoid—but an opportunity for wonder, agency, and joyful learning?

Join Kirsten Haugen, M.A., Professional Growth & Research Director at Dimensions Educational Research Foundation, for Brrrrring It On! Embracing Cold, Snow and Rain Outdoors with Young Children.

In this inspiring session, you’ll learn how to make cold-weather play safe, engaging, and developmentally rich through preparation, communication, creativity, and a shift in mindset.

You’ll discover how to:
❄️ Witness the developmental benefits of cold-weather play
🌬️ Embrace an attitude shift toward all-weather learning
🧣 Prepare with confidence, clarity, and safety in mind
⏱️ Make time and space for winter outdoor exploration
🧤 Adopt climate-appropriate comforts and materials
🧱 Expand possibilities with your environment and tools
💚 Support the well-being of educators, caregivers & families

🗓️ January 14, 2026 | 2 PM – 3:30 PM EST
🎟️ Register free to join live or to recieve the recording: https://ecewebinars.com/4qWpwXP

11/18/2025

I decided to use some of my nervous-about-traveling energy to put together some annotation kits to give away at my book signing on Thursday in Orlando. I think I have about 20 of them put together—and it was a pretty fun way to spend the afternoon. Come see me at booth 600 at the NAEYC conference Thursday morning, and if you’re one of the first 20 people, you get one with your book!

11/18/2025

Slideshow follow up from my episode of Rusty Keeler’s podcast!

Have you ever watched a child scoop birdseed, roll in grass, or wrap Play-Doh around tiny toys and think, “What on earth are they doing?” In this BONUS SLIDE...

11/18/2025

Did you get your issue of Exchange’s special issue on Protecting Play? I’m always happy to contribute an article to the magazine, but especially excited about this one! So many of my amazing friends also have articles in here, and a lot of folks I’m excited to get to know!

11/17/2025

I’m so excited to present about schema play theory, free play pedagogy, and using play stories to persuade skeptics! This Thursday at 8 am, !

11/16/2025

Join host Heather Bernt-Santy in a conversation with Dr. Zlata Stankovic-Ramirez, Dr. Danielle McLellan-Bujnak, and Dr. Josh Thompson about their work regarding the idea of developmental cascades. The work presents a potential shift in the language used to describe child development as they propose moving away from the traditional ages-and-stages framework and incorporating the concept of developmental cascades.

Join host Heather Bernt-Santy in a conversation with Dr. Zlata Stankovic-Ramirez, Dr. Danielle McLellan-Bujnak, and Dr. Josh Thompson about their work regard...