Actions of Play

Heather Jackson of The Sunflower School

Welcome to Actions of Play, a podcast for early childhood educators who believe in the power of play. Hosted by Heather Jackson, a Reggio Emilia–inspired educator with 40+ years of experience, this podcast shares stories, insights, and practical strategies to deepen your practice. From play schemas and observation to child-led learning, explore how to support curiosity, creativity, and connection in early childhood education.

  1. 3d ago

    Planning with Research Questions in a Reggio-Inspired School

    In this solo episode of Actions of Play, Heather Jackson explores how research questions can transform the way educators observe, document and plan alongside children. Rather than deciding in advance where learning should go, Heather invites educators to slow down, pay attention to the ideas already emerging through play, and consider how thoughtful questions can help us uncover what children may be trying to understand. She shares how this shift can move planning beyond weekly themes and predetermined outcomes toward curriculum that is responsive, intentional and genuinely co-constructed with children. If you've ever wondered how to take what you're observing in children's play and turn it into meaningful, longer-term planning, this episode offers a place to begin. 🎧 Listen to Planning with Research Questions in a Reggio-inspired School. RESOURCES The book of beautiful questions by Warren Berger Children’s books about questions Why by Nikolai Popov What colour is a kiss by Rocio Bonilla May I bring a friend by Beatrice Schenk de Regniers Why by Laura Vaccaro Seeger The three questions by Jon J Muth Any questions by Marie Louise Gay What can you do with a shoe? By Beatrice Scenk de Regniers/pictures by Maurice Sendak What do you do with an idea? By Kobi Yamada Are you my Mother? PD Eastman SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more educators who are committed to deepening their practice and creating meaningful learning experiences for children. CONNECT WITH HEATHER Instagram: @thesunflower_studio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-jackson-17b0b455/  Take a Virtual Tour: Click Here

  2. Aug 15

    How We Reggio with Jeff Turner, Cassandra Keller and Megan James of Tree Top Academy

    In this episode of Actions of Play, Heather Jackson is joined by Jeff Turner, Cassandra Keller and Megan James of Tree Top Academy and How We Reggio in Jupiter, Florida. Together, they explore what it looks like to move beyond trying to replicate Reggio Emilia and instead build a practice that reflects your own children, educators, community and context. They share the evolution of Tree Top Academy, their journey to Reggio Emilia, the creation of How We Reggio, and why professional learning, experimentation and permission to get it wrong have been so important along the way. The conversation explores slowing down enough to truly notice children's thinking, using Visible Thinking Routines to deepen investigations, and the idea of “research in everyday life.” Jeff also shares one word from their experience in Italy that beautifully captures the work: savour. How might we savour children's questions, ideas and everyday moments rather than rushing toward the next activity? This conversation is an invitation to notice more, listen longer, go deeper and find your own way of bringing Reggio-inspired principles to life. LINKS How We Reggio — their main website and hub for the Reggio-inspired community, learning resources and conference. Embracing the Reggio Emilia Approach: A Beginner’s Guide for Teachers — the book Heather discusses in the episode. Tree Top Academy — the Jupiter, Florida school behind How We Reggio. How We Reggio Study Tours — information about visiting Tree Top Academy and observing their Reggio-inspired practice. How We Reggio Conference & Learning Opportunities — current conferences, workshops and other professional learning opportunities. How We Reggio Instagram SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more educators who are committed to deepening their practice and creating meaningful learning experiences for children. CONNECT WITH HEATHER Instagram: @thesunflower_studio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-jackson-17b0b455/  Take a Virtual Tour: Click Here

  3. Aug 8

    What Children’s Repeated Play Is Really Telling Us with Cassie St. Amand

    In this episode of Actions of Play, host Heather Jackson speaks with Cassie St. Amand, founder of Applejacks Preschool, about recognizing and responding to play schemas in early childhood environments. Together, they explore how repeated patterns of play offer educators a window into children’s thinking, why observation must come before intervention, and how the Reggio Emilia approach and schema-based play naturally complement one another. They also challenge product-focused programming, rigid planning boxes, and the pressure to prepare children for school rather than asking whether schools are prepared for children. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, look more closely, and create environments where children experience the safety, belonging, and freedom they need to learn. LINKS Applejacks Preschool Applejacks Preschool on Instagram Cassie St. Amand on LinkedIn Actions of Play by Lisa Agogliati and Heather Jackson How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more educators who are committed to deepening their practice and creating meaningful learning experiences for children. CONNECT WITH HEATHER Instagram: @thesunflower_studio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-jackson-17b0b455/  Take a Virtual Tour: Click Here

  4. Aug 1

    The Uncertainty of an Idea: A Conference Wrap Up

    In this solo episode of Actions of Play, host Heather Jackson reflects on The Sunflower School’s 2026 educator conference, The Uncertainty of an Idea. She explores why uncertainty is not a failure of planning but an essential part of meaningful learning. Heather shares how educators can resist the pressure to rush toward polished outcomes, make room for unfinished thinking, and use play as a form of inquiry. She also discusses the importance of slowing down, building children’s relationships with materials, and creating environments where questions, experimentation, reflection, and creative risk-taking are valued. Because sometimes the measure of success isn’t a finished answer—it’s a better question. SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more educators who are committed to deepening their practice and creating meaningful learning experiences for children. CONNECT WITH HEATHER Instagram: @thesunflower_studio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-jackson-17b0b455/  Take a Virtual Tour: Click Here

  5. Jul 25

    Seeing Child Care Through the Eyes of an 18-Month-Old with Cathy Turalinski

    In this episode of Actions of Play, Heather Jackson welcomes registered early childhood educator, consultant, and author Cathy Turalinski to explore one of the most important and often misunderstood stages of child development: toddlerhood. Drawing on more than 45 years of experience in early childhood education, post-secondary teaching, family support, leadership, and consulting, Cathy shares the inspiration behind her guide Child Care Through the Eyes of an 18-Month-Old. Together, Heather and Cathy challenge educators to rethink transitions, behaviour, attachment, and emotional safety from a toddler's perspective. In this episode, you'll learn about: • Why toddlers are often the most misunderstood age group in early childhood education• How transitions into child care affect a young child's developing brain• The importance of attachment, consistency, and emotional safety• Why behaviour is communication• Creating home-like environments that foster belonging• Supporting toddlers through movement, sensory experiences, and responsive relationships• Helping families understand what a toddler experiences during their day in child care• Why empathy is one of an educator's greatest tools This conversation is a thoughtful reminder that toddlers aren't giving us a hard time—they're having a hard time. When we understand what they're experiencing, we can respond with greater compassion, patience, and intention. LINKS Cathy Website: https://childcaresolutions.ca/  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/catherine-anne-turalinski-265882154  SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more educators who are committed to deepening their practice and creating meaningful learning experiences for children. CONNECT WITH HEATHER Instagram: @thesunflower_studio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-jackson-17b0b455/  Take a Virtual Tour: Click Here

  6. Jul 18

    Process Art in Early Childhood with Victoria Armstrong

    In this episode of Actions of Play, host Heather Jackson welcomes Victoria Armstrong, founder of Side by Side Consulting, to explore how process art can transform children's learning, creativity, and relationship with materials. Drawing from over 20 years in early childhood education and her work integrating professional artists into licensed child care programs, Victoria challenges the traditional focus on crafts and products, inviting educators to rethink what meaningful art experiences can look like. Together, Heather and Victoria discuss: • Why process art is simply authentic art • Moving beyond pre-cut crafts and template activities • How children build relationships with materials like clay, paint, and wire • Why quality materials matter more than quantity • The educator's role in observing, questioning, and scaffolding children's thinking • Supporting creativity through open-ended exploration • The importance of documentation in making children's learning visible • Why "less is more" when designing art experiences This conversation is a thoughtful reminder that art isn't about producing identical masterpieces. LINKS Website: https://sbsconsulting.ca/  Instagram: @sbsconsultingservices Resources Mentioned: • The Language of Art by Ann Pelo • Children, Meaning-Making and the Arts by Susan Wright • The Children's Music Studio: A Reggio-Inspired Approach by Wendell Hanna SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more educators who are committed to deepening their practice and creating meaningful learning experiences for children. CONNECT WITH HEATHER Instagram: @thesunflower_studio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-jackson-17b0b455/  Take a Virtual Tour: Click Here

  7. Jul 11

    The Unhurried Classroom with Chaylene Clarke

    In this thoughtful episode of Actions of Play, Heather Jackson sits down with Chaylene Clarke, kindergarten educator and creator of The Unhurried Classroom, to explore what happens when we slow down enough to truly notice children. Together, they discuss unhurried, uninterrupted play, revisiting experiences, documentation, and the importance of resisting the constant pressure to rush children from one activity to the next. Chaylene shares how motherhood and her classroom have shaped her belief that meaningful learning happens when children are given time to wonder, revisit ideas, and develop confidence at their own pace. Whether you're an early childhood educator, kindergarten teacher, or educational leader, this conversation is a gentle reminder that slowing down isn't about lowering expectations—it's about creating the conditions for deeper thinking, stronger relationships, and more joyful learning. LINKS Instagram: Unhurried Classroom- @theunhurriedclassroom LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/theunhurriedclassroom Book: When We are Kind by Monique Gray Smith- Link SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more educators who are committed to deepening their practice and creating meaningful learning experiences for children. CONNECT WITH HEATHER Instagram: @thesunflower_studio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-jackson-17b0b455/  Take a Virtual Tour: Click Here

  8. Jul 4

    Exploring Art and Play in Education with Louisa Penfold

    In this episode of Actions of Play, Heather Jackson welcomes Dr. Louisa Penfold, Professor and Chair of Arts and Learning at Harvard Graduate School of Education, researcher, author, and internationally recognized advocate for children's creativity and play. Drawing on her work across Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, Louisa shares how museums, schools, artists, educators, and families can work together to create rich learning environments where children are empowered to explore, create, imagine, and express themselves. Together, Heather and Louisa discuss: • Why play is not an "extra" but a fundamental human activity• The connection between art, creativity, and children's learning• Moving beyond product-focused art experiences• The importance of materials, movement, sound, and sensory exploration• How artists can inspire children's thinking and creativity• The role of pedagogical documentation in making learning visible• Children's rights to play, creativity, and cultural participation• Why access to arts education matters now more than ever Louisa also shares insights from her groundbreaking ArtPlay research project and offers a glimpse into her upcoming book, Every Child is an Artist, which explores how families can cultivate creativity through simple, artist-inspired experiences at home. LINKS Website: www.louisapenfold.com Instagram: @louisapenfold  Art Play Children Pedagogy Blog  Bill Lucas- A Five Dimensional Model of Creativity and its Assessment in Schools Naomi Lott- Book- The Right of the Child to Play Magic Acorns Rita Evans - Instagram  SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you found this episode valuable, we invite you to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more educators who are committed to deepening their practice and creating meaningful learning experiences for children. CONNECT WITH HEATHER Instagram: @thesunflower_studio LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-jackson-17b0b455/  Take a Virtual Tour: Click Here

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to Actions of Play, a podcast for early childhood educators who believe in the power of play. Hosted by Heather Jackson, a Reggio Emilia–inspired educator with 40+ years of experience, this podcast shares stories, insights, and practical strategies to deepen your practice. From play schemas and observation to child-led learning, explore how to support curiosity, creativity, and connection in early childhood education.

Information

  • Creator
    Heather Jackson of The Sunflower School
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Heather Jackson of The Sunflower School
  • Show Website
    Actions of Play