Episode 23: Seven Outdated Preschool Habits to Leave Behind

What if some of the things we consider normal in elementary school are actually getting in the way of learning? As a former elementary teacher and learning behaviour specialist, I’m sharing eight common school practices I think we need to rethink. And honestly, some of them are things I used to do myself! From traditional homework and timed maths tests to taking away recess and rewarding kids for being fast, I’m breaking down why being good at school isn’t always the same as being a good learner. I want us to focus less on compliance and performance and more on understanding, confidence, curiosity, and problem-solving. In this episode, I cover: Why I question traditional homework and reading logs The problem with timed maths tests and rewarding speed Why understanding should come before memorisation Why recess shouldn’t be used as punishment Why sitting still doesn’t always mean paying attention The importance of developmentally appropriate handwriting expectations How praising academic achievement can affect a child’s identity What we can praise instead to build confidence and persistence Your "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week: Notice what you praise your child for. Instead of focusing only on correct answers or finishing quickly, celebrate when they keep trying, think of another solution, or work through something difficult. Recommended Episodes: Episode 28: Reminder: Focus on the PROCESS Over the PRODUCT Episode 29: : IEP vs. 504 Episode 23: Seven Outdated Preschool Habits to Leave Behind If you loved this conversation, make sure you're following the show so you never miss an episode or a quick win.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.

Have you ever watched your child completely fall apart because they couldn’t figure something out right away? In this episode, I’m talking about why kids who are used to being “the smart one” can struggle so much when learning finally feels hard. I’m sharing why we sometimes accidentally teach kids that being smart means getting the right answer, and what we can do instead. Rather than immediately rescuing or fixing the problem, I want to help kids learn that confusion, mistakes, and struggle are part of figuring things out. In this episode, I cover: Why perfectionism can make mistakes feel so overwhelming How being praised for being “smart” can affect how kids see themselves Why rescuing kids can take away valuable learning moments How STEAM challenges naturally build problem-solving and persistence What to say when your child says, “I can’t do it” How to help kids build a “not yet” mindset Your "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week: The next time your child says, “I can’t do it,” pause before jumping in. Try asking, “What have you tried?” or “Do you want a hint or another minute to figure it out?” Recommended Episodes: Episode 28: Reminder: Focus on the PROCESS Over the PRODUCT Episode 12: How to Challenge Your Child Without Overwhelming Them Episode 23: Seven Outdated Preschool Habits to Leave Behind 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.

If you’ve ever heard the terms IEP and 504 and thought, Wait, what’s the difference? this episode is for you. I’m breaking down what these plans actually mean, how they differ, and why having a diagnosis does not automatically mean a child qualifies for an IEP or a 504. I’m also sharing examples of how the same diagnosis can lead to very different supports depending on what a child actually needs at school. Most importantly, I want parents to understand that educational performance is about more than grades and that knowing your rights matters. In this episode, I cover: The difference between an IEP and a 504 Disability-related access vs. specially designed instruction Why a diagnosis does not automatically mean eligibility How the same diagnosis can result in different supports Why good grades don’t always tell the whole story Why parents need to know their rights and advocate for their child Featured Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Parent Playbook Tiered Behavior Management Playbook for Teachers Your "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week: If you’re wondering whether your child needs additional support at school, start by asking: How is their disability affecting their education, and what does my child actually need because of it? Recommended Episodes: Episode 28: Reminder: Focus on the PROCESS Over the PRODUCT Episode 23: Seven Outdated Preschool Habits to Leave Behind Episode 12: How to Challenge Your Child Without Overwhelming Them

I’m sharing a reminder I needed myself this week: the finished product is not always the point. I had a simple preschool activity planned, but my three-year-old had a completely different idea. Instead of redirecting him back to my plan, I stopped and watched what he was actually doing.

I hear it all the time: “Only 20 minutes? That can’t possibly be enough.” But I stand by it. Preschool doesn’t need to mean hours of worksheets, workbooks, or trying to squeeze every subject into a packed schedule.