One problem is the graded structure. Not all six year-olds are exactly six years old. Even those born on the same day are not equal in personal or physical development. But every child included in an age range that amounts to a fifth of their previous life is placed in the same class-room. The solution that the school system offers is to start the process first a year and then two years earlier. That still doesn’t solve the basic problem: apples and oranges are put together in the same box and it is left to the teachers somehow to sort them out. I don’t know what the solution is, and that is reeally because I don’t know how todefine the problem. Every school is a bit like a boot camp, but without the necessary brutality.
In my experiences homeschooling, I had started introducing my boys to phonics by the age of 3 or 4. Neither was interested. I kept reintroducing it periodically, but was sadly disappointed that they weren't getting it. I tried different phonics programs. My oldest was 8 when he learned to read (his comprehension is incredible!), and the younger was nearly 9 when he learned. Even math would often result in tears for my oldest son--until this past year. (he just turned 12). I'm so excited to see that the "barrier" has fallen. It all is coming easily for him now (at least for now :).