Homeschool parents wonder should preschool learning be all play—or do worksheets have a place?

In this episode, I share a balanced, classroom-tested perspective on why young children actually benefit from both play-based learning and gentle paper-and-pencil practice.

Drawing from years of experience teaching pre-K and kindergarten, I talk about:

•Why play builds strong brain connections

•When worksheets can be developmentally appropriate

•What “developmentally appropriate” really means in the pre-K years

•How balance prevents burnout, frustration, and learning gaps

I also share what I see year after year in my classroom—including why the art station is one of the most popular learning areas, and how children naturally gravitate toward writing, drawing, and creating when materials are offered without pressure.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re doing too much—or not enough—this episode will help you feel confident about finding a middle ground that supports your child’s development and their love of learning.

✨ This balance is exactly why my monthly Pre-K learning packs include both hands-on play and developmentally appropriate practice.

Thanks for listening!

Check out the Pre-K Learning Club Monthly Pre-K Curriculum Subscription here:

https://prekparadise.lpages.co/pre-k-learning-club-main-page/

It's not to late to get your free Winter Learning Pack here:

https://prekparadise.lpages.co/winter-learning-pack-freebie/

When young children show early academic skills—like reading words or counting to high numbers—it can be tempting to rush ahead.

In this episode, I gently unpack why just because a child can do something doesn’t always mean they should skip the foundations.

Drawing from my experience as a preschool teacher and my own learning journey, I talk about:

•Why reading is more than letter names and sounds

•What phonemic awareness really is and why it matters

•Why counting isn’t the same as true number sense

•How skipping foundational skills can create gaps later

•And why children don’t get bored when learning is developmentally appropriate

I also share a personal story about how missing early math foundations affected my confidence as a learner—and what changed everything for me later on.

Whether you homeschool your preschooler, support learning at home, or are simply wondering “Are we doing enough… or too much?”—this episode will help you slow down, breathe, and focus on what truly matters in the early years.

✨ If you’re looking for simple ways to support foundational skills through hands-on play and gentle practice, you can learn more about my monthly Pre-K Learning Club using the link below.

Thanks for listening—and for supporting your child’s learning with intention.

https://prekparadise.lpages.co/pre-k-learning-club-main-page/

In This Episode

If you’ve ever worried that you’re not doing enough for your preschooler at home, this episode is for you. In Episode 1, I share why preschool learning doesn’t need to be rushed, what really matters at ages 3–5, and how simple, intentional learning builds a strong foundation over time.

What You’ll Learn

• Why preschool learning looks different than school-age learning

• What preschoolers actually need to thrive academically and emotionally

• Why slow, gentle learning is not only okay — it’s ideal

Helpful Reminder

You are not behind. Learning at this age happens through play, repetition, and everyday moments — not pressure or perfection.

Free Resource

I’ve created a free Winter Learning Pack with simple, hands-on preschool activities you can use right away. It also gives you a peek at how I structure learning inside my monthly Pre-K Learning Club.

👉 Download it at https://pre-k-paradise.kit.com/83bec2bbcb

Listen & Connect

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