Episode 80: Actions of Play (with Heather Jackson)

Unlock the secrets to transforming early childhood education by focusing on the actions — not just the topics — that captivate young minds. Join me as I sit down with Heather Jackson, author of "Actions of Play," to explore how play schemas can revolutionize the way we approach learning. Discover how understanding the verbs that inspire children can lead to rich, inquiry-based projects that resonate with their natural curiosities. From the mesmerizing roll of a fire truck's wheel to the gentle crawl of a ladybug, we dissect the underpinnings of play that drive meaningful and complex learning experiences. As the conversation unfolds, we explore the power of curiosity and introspection in education. Heather shares her insights on how "slow pedagogy" and observation can capture the essence of play, leading to transformative, magical educational experiences. We also explore the enchanting story of "Rainbow City"—a unique project inspired by a child's drawing that became a medium for creativity and emotional expression. This episode invites educators to embrace wonder and magical thinking, ultimately enriching both teaching and learning for educators and students alike. Find Show Notes at:

You can listen to Episode 80: Actions of Play (with Heather Jackson) online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Episode 80: Actions of Play (with Heather Jackson) is an episode from Not Just Cute, the Podcast: Intentional Whole Child Development for Parents and Teachers of Young Children by Amanda Morgan.

This episode is 54:22 long.

This episode was published on Sep 10, 2025.

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