Episode 68: Kerry Herbert (Early Childhood Teacher) - The Transformative Power of Play in Early Childhood Development

The Empowered Parent with Dana Baltutis

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Kerry Herbert opens up about her 40-year journey as an early childhood teacher and her passionate belief in the power of play. With a twinkle in her eye and wisdom gained from decades of working with young children, Kerry shares why she considers play "the highest form of research," echoing Einstein's famous quote.
What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Kerry's ability to demystify the developmental stages of play. She expertly guides us through the progression from exploratory and solitary play to more complex cooperative interactions, while emphasizing that children naturally move back and forth between these stages as they encounter new situations. This insight alone helps parents understand why their child might seem to "regress" in certain play contexts.
Kerry challenges conventional thinking about sharing, explaining that it's not always developmentally appropriate to expect young children to share. She introduces the concept of a child's "play history"—the unique experiences and associations they bring to each play scenario that shape their responses. This fresh perspective invites parents to view children's reluctance to share not as defiance, but as a natural part of development related to concepts like object permanence and time perception.
Perhaps most reassuring is Kerry's advice for parents who feel awkward or inexperienced with play. She encourages starting where you're comfortable, gradually expanding your play repertoire by observing your child's reactions, and remembering that different family members can contribute valuable elements to a child's play experiences. Through vivid descriptions that bring play scenarios to life, Kerry demonstrates how simple interactions—like matching a child's jumping rhythm with a drumbeat—can build connection and communication pathways.
Whether you're preparing your child for kindergarten, supporting a sensory-seeking child, or simply wanting to enrich family playtime, this conversation offers practical wisdom delivered with genuine warmth. Visit our website to learn more about consulting with Kerry to develop personalized play strategies for your child's unique needs.

danabaltutis.com, mytherapyhouse.com.au, https://mytherapyhouse.com.au/your-childs-therapy-journey/ https://www.danabaltutis.com/services

Chapters

1. Meet Kerry Herbert, The Play Guru (00:00:00)

2. How Play Develops Through Childhood (00:12:30)

3. Preparing Your Child for Kindergarten (00:19:09)

4. The Stages of Play Development (00:29:43)

5. Cultural Differences in Play (00:38:14)

6. Supporting Communication Through Play (00:43:11)

7. Nature Play and Final Reflections (00:49:19)