
Episode #23
Episode 23: Seven Outdated Preschool Habits to Leave Behind
What if some of the things that look educational aren't actually giving your preschooler the learning foundation they need? In this episode, I'm breaking down seven outdated preschool habits that I'm actively trying to leave behind as a mom and educator. This isn't about being a perfect parent or never using worksheets, screens, or flashcards. It's about making sure we're building the foundation that future learning depends on. I'm sharing why preschoolers need more play, movement, hands-on experiences, language, problem-solving, and opportunities to struggle and try again. My goal isn't to create tiny first graders. It's to help our kids become curious, confident, resilient learners. In this episode, we cover: Why worksheets aren't always the best starting point for handwriting Playing with sounds and language before drilling the alphabet Why flashcards don't equal true understanding Why preschoolers don't need to sit still to learn Letting kids struggle instead of correcting them right away Focusing on the learning process instead of getting the right answer Why educational screen time isn't the same as hands-on learning Why making preschool more academic doesn't necessarily mean your child will be more prepared for kindergarten Featured Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Early Learning Standards Guide: Grab your free copy of the early learning standards: STEAM Made Simple Preschool: Your "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week: Pick one habit from today's episode that you want to rethink. Don't try to change everything at once. Notice what your child does when you give them more opportunities to move, play, struggle, explore, or learn hands-on. Recommended Episodes: • Episode 15: Top 3 Kindergarten Readiness Skills Episode 20: Episode 20: Counting is Not Math — The 9-Skill Number Sense Blueprint Episode 22: How I'm Preparing My Kiddo for Back-to-School Season So That It's an Easy Transition If you loved this conversation, make sure you're following the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win. And hey, if you're looking for a way to bring this 'think like a kid' energy into your daily learning, check out my STEAM Made Preschool Curriculum: https://stan.store/steammadesimple/p/the-steam-made-simple-preschool . It's the best way to give your child a head start with an educational advantage that actually feels like play. You can also connect with me on Instagram @STEAMMadeSimple for daily tools, behind-the-scenes stories, and playful learning ideas.

