Factors influencing learning to read (Part 2 of 5)

Philosophies in learning to read

There are two very different camps in the homeschool fraternity: Better late than early and the it's Never too early. 

Better late than Early

"Dr. Raymond Moore and his late wife, Dorothy Moore are probably the best-known advocates of the later-is-better approach. The Moores' 1975 book Better Late Than Early summarizes research supporting their contention that children are not psychologically ready for formal learning until age eight to ten. They suggest that waiting allows children to gain the maturity and logical skills necessary for formal work and prevents them from becoming frustrated and discouraged by attempts to handle material they are simply not yet ready to understand." Quoted from Better late than Early on Homeschool.com To read the complete article go to: Better Late than Early - An Excerpt from: Homeschooling for Success

It's Never too Early

"When learned very young, while the infant brain is still being "wired up", it becomes second nature, another form of language used as fluently as speaking and listening. leave it until the age of five though, when the great spurt of brain growth and making of connections has finished, ..."

"It is for this reason that the so called plasticity of the baby brain must be used to advantage. By helping the growing child to make connections in her growing brain, we ensure that the brain itself is being modified and prepared for life."

The above excerpts are from Little Readers Foundation to read the complete article go to: Why teach very young children to read

Factor number 2 for me came in trying to figure out what what our philosophy was in regards to the right age to start teaching reading and not letting others sway me once I had it in place. Some people are very good at making their case.  If I change my mind every other day then I become a source of insecurity for my children and my homeschool. (James 1:8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.)

Personally I have decided that for each child it is different and it's all about knowing your student.  Some children thrive on early and for others they need to wait.  I found that pushing too early caused more frustration, tears and damaged our relationship.

What works better for you: Earlier?  Later or a mix of both ? More importantly why have you chosen this stance ?

Other posts you might enjoy

• Factors influencing Learning to Read - Part 0.1
• Factors influencing Learning to Read - part 1
• Factors influencing Learning to Read - part 3
• Factors influencing Learning to Read - part 4
• Factors influencing Learning to Read - part 5

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