Actions of Play

Heather Jackson of The Sunflower School
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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.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    Challenging the Notion of Program Planning

    What if "program planning" is the very thing holding your practice back? Rosalba from Acorn Collaborative makes a compelling case for retiring the term altogether and replacing it with something far more intentional: designing curriculum that genuinely honours children's curiosity, culture, and agency. It's a small word swap with enormous implications. This conversation digs into the slow pedagogy movement — observing gestures, sitting with silence, documenting struggle, and asking better questions. Rosalba challenges educators to step out of the role of planner and into the role of researcher, co-constructing meaning alongside children rather than delivering content at them. If you've ever felt trapped by rigid schedules or disconnected from the "why" of your work, this episode offers a way back to what matters. LINKS Rosalba Bortolotti- Instagram Acorn Collaborative- Website The Sunflower School: https://thesunflowerschool.ca/  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

    46 min

  2. Jun 6

    Rethinking Early Childhood Education: Designing Curriculum Beyond Traditional Program Planning

    What if your planning meetings could be the most meaningful hour of your week? At Sunflower School, two early childhood Directors, Sarah and Keri   have moved away from reactive, interest-led planning toward something deeper. A curriculum anchored in big, purposeful questions like "How can toddlers build community?" or "How do we empower children to lead their own learning?" The shift changed everything. In this episode, they walk through the practical tools that make it work. You'll learn about designing curriculum that grows organically, involves families meaningfully, and gives educators the confidence to let go of busywork and trust the process. This is planning with purpose and it shows. LINKS The Sunflower School: https://thesunflowerschool.ca/  Sarah- @thesunflowerschool       Keri- @teaching.authentically Book- Not a Box & Not a Box City 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

    41 min

  3. May 30

    The Voice of the Child

    What happens when educators intentionally slow down and make space for children’s voices to truly matter? In this episode of Actions of Play, Heather Jackson sits down with Crystal and Annika from Sunflower School to explore a deeply meaningful preschool investigation centered around one guiding question: How can we create spaces and moments where children feel their voices are truly heard, valued, and able to influence what happens next? Through storytelling, interview-style documentation, reflective conversations, QR code portfolios, and open-ended questioning, the educators share how they created an environment where children’s thoughts, ideas, and imaginations became the heart of the classroom. This conversation explores slow pedagogy, storytelling as curriculum, the power of listening, and how educators can move beyond asking children for “right answers” to truly valuing what children think. LINKS The Sunflower School: https://thesunflowerschool.ca/  Crystal- @reimagining.reggio Annika- @blossomwithannika Book: Mud Puddle 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

    29 min

  4. May 23

    A Surprising Toddler Project

    In this episode of Actions of Play, Heather Jackson is joined by Sarah and Michelle from Sunflower School to explore a toddler project that began with one simple idea: creating a “nest” of comfort, belonging, and connection for a brand-new classroom community. What started as a gentle transition project quickly evolved into a rich child-led investigation centered around ramps, rolling, movement, sound, regulation, and the environment as the third teacher. From porch play and loose parts to seasonal changes and toddler research, this episode highlights the beauty of slowing down and truly noticing children’s thinking. This conversation is filled with thoughtful reflections on play schemas, environment design, risky play, and the power of responsive teaching in the early years. LINKS The Sunflower School: https://thesunflowerschool.ca/  Sarah-  @thesunflowerschool Michelle- no Instagram How Does Learning Happen- Ontario Document- https://files.ontario.ca/edu-how-does-learning-happen-en-2021-03-23.pdf?   Book- 100 languages of children- https://amzn.to/4dvyzsz  Actions of Play Book- Schemas: https://amzn.to/4v4F5Op   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

    24 min

  5. May 16

    Building Community with Toddlers

    In this episode of Actions of Play, Heather Jackson sits down with McKenna and Makayla from Sunflower School to explore a powerful year-long toddler investigation built around one simple question: How can toddlers build community? From mystery readers and family nights to community blocks, shared mailboxes, and toddler-led connections, this conversation highlights what becomes possible when educators truly see toddlers as capable, relational, and deeply connected learners. This episode is filled with practical ideas for strengthening classroom culture, deepening parent engagement, and creating spaces where children genuinely feel a sense of belonging. Whether you work with toddlers, preschoolers, or school-age children, this conversation will inspire you to rethink what community can look like in the early years. LINKS The Sunflower School: https://thesunflowerschool.ca/  Makayla and McKenna Instagram accounts: @reggio.with.makayla    @rootedreggio    NAREA Website 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

    28 min

  6. May 9

    Big Energy, Big Learning: An All Boy Toddler Program

    What happens when you stop fighting boys' energy and start designing around it? Kaitlyn and Sara did exactly that. They turned their all-boys toddler classroom into a space built for big-body movement, loose parts play, and genuine connection. The result? Less friction, more curiosity, and a room where children actually thrived. In this episode, they share how Reggio-inspired principles, animal movement studies, and intentional room design transformed their approach to teaching active toddlers. You'll walk away with practical ideas for redesigning your space, running calm community meetings, and rethinking what "good behaviour" really looks like because sometimes the boldest experiment is the one that finally works. LINKS The Sunflower School: https://thesunflowerschool.ca/  Kaitlyn and Sara Instagram accounts: @themessyeducator    @100launguagesofsasa    How Do Animals Dance Brown Bear, Brown Bear- Bill Martin Jr. Spoonful of Frog-  Casey Lyall   From Head to Toe- Eric Carle A Can of Worms- Fearless Conversations with Toddlers Nick Torrones- Exchange Publishing The Brown Bear rap 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

    27 min

  7. May 2

    The Story Behind Actions of Play

    In this very first episode of Actions of Play, host Heather Jackson is joined by co-author Lisa to share the story behind their book Actions of Play and their shared passion for play schemas. They reflect on collaborating across countries, co-authoring entirely over Zoom, and how their aligned values in play-based, inquiry-driven learning shaped their work. The conversation explores what play schemas are, why they matter, and how they can transform the way educators observe, plan, and respond to children’s play. Heather and Lisa also share practical ways to connect play schemas to everyday experiences, including using children’s literature to deepen learning and engagement. Whether you’re new to play schemas or looking to strengthen your practice, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and real classroom connections - plus what’s next for their work supporting educators and families. BOOKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE Actions of Play- RedLeaf Press Threads of Thinking- Cathy Nutbrown From Theory to Practice- Susan Stacey Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin Tacos Fall Apart Take It Apart I Worked Really Hard on That LINKS The Sunflower School: https://thesunflowerschool.ca/  Lisa Agogliati is the lead pedagogista at the National Child Research Centre in Washington, DC Boulder Journey School Cindy Green- Instagram Early Childhood Investigations Webinar  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

    42 min

  8. Apr 25

    Pilot Episode

    In this debut episode of Actions of Play, host Heather Jackson —an early childhood educator with over 40 years of experience—invites you into the inspiring world of play-based learning through a Reggio Emilia approach lens. Broadcasting from the Reggio-inspired Sunflower School in Orangeville, Ontario, Heather shares the story of her journey—from her first introduction to Reggio-inspired practices in 1998 to building a thriving, child-centred learning community that now spans multiple locations and supports hundreds of children and educators. This episode offers a heartfelt introduction to the philosophy that has shaped her life’s work: seeing children as capable, curious, and full of potential. Heather reflects on her evolution as an educator, the power of mentorship, and how embracing the role of “teacher as researcher” transformed her approach to early childhood education. You’ll also get a glimpse into what’s ahead on the podcast, including: Real stories from educatorsProject work from Reggio-inspired classroomsInsights into play-based, child-led learningPractical reflections for educators looking to deepen their practiceWhether you’re an early childhood educator, leader, or simply passionate about meaningful learning, this episode sets the foundation for a thoughtful and inspiring journey into the actions of play.  Tune in and explore what’s possible when we truly listen to children. LINKS The Sunflower School: https://thesunflowerschool.ca SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW 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

    10 min
  • 8 Episodes

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
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Heather Jackson of The Sunflower School
  • Show Website
    Actions of Play