Episode 26: The Problem With Calling Preschoolers “Ahead”

I’m challenging one of the most common phrases we hear about young children: “They’re ahead.” A preschooler being able to count to 49, recognize letters, or complete an advanced worksheet might look impressive, but those flashy skills only tell us one small piece of the learning puzzle. I’d much rather see a child deeply understand numbers, solve problems, communicate ideas, persist through challenges, and build strong foundational skills.In this episode, I’m breaking down why being “ahead” isn’t the same as being ready to move on, why uneven development is completely normal, and why I believe preschool should focus on going deeper rather than simply rushing children through more advanced material.In this episode, I cover:Why “ahead” can be a misleading labelRote memorization vs. true understandingWhy number sense matters more than counting to 100Why uneven learning profiles are normalWhat I look for beyond academic skillsWhy hands-on learning, movement, curiosity, and problem-solving matterWhy preschool should build strong foundations, not rush children aheadYour "Think Like a Kid" Homework This Week: Pick one skill your child already knows and ask yourself: Do they truly understand it, or can they simply repeat it? Look for ways to go deeper through play.Recommended Episodes:Episode 23: Seven Outdated Preschool Habits to Leave BehindEpisode 15: Top 3 Kindergarten Readiness SkillsEpisode 20: 9-Skill Number Sense SeriesIf you loved this conversation, make sure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.