“-———— I get a bit suspicious when a parent starts talking about a kid directing what path their education should take at an early age.”
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Me too.
I used to volunteer at Mass Audubon and home-schoolers would bring their children in for nature classes.
One of the instructors said she was having a difficult time teaching 10 year olds because her course included some written material.
One of the 10 year olds couldn’t read because his mother said she would teach him to read when he expressed an interest in learning to read——and he wasn’t interested yet.
I found this a bit bewildering.
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Yes, I’m glad you understood exactly what I meant.
I compare this to a college basket weaving degree, only it’s much earlier and during a period when neglect can be destructive.
The kids fundamentals are of prime importance when he’s still of an age to learn that type of stuff quickly.
Even at 10, that kid will already be way behind and starting to leave the age when his fundamentals should already be sound. Every year after that will be harder for the kid to ever catch up. By ten I could read any book I wanted to.
I’m not an educator. I did have children. I do pay attention to certain things kids need to have to be healthy in fundamentals, family community national and world view, and social interaction.
I see some warning signals. I am glad you did as well.
Common sense goes a long way, and sadly some parents have none whatsoever.
I’ve known a few homeschool families whose 10yo children couldn’t read. But, when those children did begin to read, between ages 10-12, they picked up immediately and caught up with everyone else. The philosophy among their parents was that it’s harmful to push children before they’re ready.
I doubt it works well in every case, and, for the record, I’m not a follower of that philosophy. But, of the hundreds of families I’ve come across, I’ve never met a homeschool student still struggling with reading in the teen years. They surely exist, but I’ve never met one.