S2E2 - Stacy Benge: Earlier Is Not Better
Description
If we continue prioritising early academic instruction over child-led play, are we unintentionally creating the very literacy crisis we’re trying to solve?
What would shift in our education systems if we treated early childhood educators as the experts in child development that they are—rather than expecting them to conform to top-down academic mandates?
In this energising episode of Leading the Early Years for the Future, host Dr Amie Fabry is joined by Stacy Benge—early childhood educator, speaker, and author of The Whole Child Alphabet. With over 30 years of experience, Stacy challenges the “earlier is better” narrative in literacy and shines a light on the crucial, often-overlooked developmental foundations that support reading and writing. Together, they unpack why true literacy starts long before phonics—through physical development, visual perception, and rich, child-led play. Stacy shares practical strategies, powerful metaphors, and tools educators can use to advocate for developmentally responsive practices in their classrooms and communities.
If you’re an early childhood educator, leader, or advocate, this conversation will remind you of the power of play—and your role in protecting it.
Stacy Benge is an early childhood speaker who approaches learning in the early years with practicality and common sense. Standing firm on the truth that children learn best through simple, authentic experiences, Stacy advocates for child-led play to build solid foundations for child development. In addition to a Master of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies, Stacy spent 10 years in the early childhood classroom teaching children ages birth to five. As she has for the past 20 years, Stacy shares her passion for child development with fellow early learning professionals with enlightening and informative presentations.
Stacy is the author of The Whole Child Alphabet: How Children Actually Develop Literacy published by Exchange Press. She is available for keynote presentations. Located in Texas, she presents virtually, locally, nationally, and internationally.
Connect with Stacy Benge:
5 Mistakes Early Childhood Professionals Make When Teaching Literacy (and How to Fix Them) - Free Guide
Book - The Whole Child Alphabet: How Young Children Actually Develop Literacy
Kindle version - The Whole Child Alphabet: How Young Children Actually Develop Literacy
Stay Connected with Dr Amie Fabry:
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