Ep 19 | Schema Play Explained: Why Scooping, Dumping, and Mess-Making Matter with Heather Bernt-Santy

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 episode of Play Nature Podcast, host Rusty Keeler is chatting and laughing with Heather Bernt-Santy, THE Early Childhood Nerd, to find out why those moments are more than just mess and motion. They really are the heart of learning. They talk about curiosity, connection, and the magic of letting kids be wonderfully, gloriously human. Heather shares her journey from podcaster to author and dives into the world of schema play. Those fascinating patterns children repeat as they explore how the world works. From enclosing and enveloping to transporting and transforming, she shows how every scoop, splash, and spin builds brains, confidence, and joy.  Adults just need to step back, trust, and watch the wonder unfold. In this conversation, you’ll hear about risky play and right-to-play advocacy, how teachers can shift from “doing” to “wondering,” and why grown-ups should trade control for curiosity.  Top 3 Takeaways from The Early Childhood Nerd: Heather Bernt-Santy Play is how children make sense of the world. Schema play shows that children aren’t being “aimless, ”they’re testing patterns, discovering physics, and learning about themselves through joyful repetition. Our job isn’t to control play. It’s to wonder about it. Trust the process, not the product.  Children have a right to play—freely and fully. Links: thatearlychildhoodnerd.com Facebook @thatearlychildhoodnerd  Instagram @thatearlychildhoodnerd TikTok @that_early_childh BlueSky @ece-nerd.bsky.social  LinkedIn @@heatherbernt-santy   Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs    Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide