Homeschooling and the Benefits of Delayed Formal Education
How Starting Academics Too Young Can Hinder Your Homeschool: Better Late Than Early
“I need your help. I’m at my wits end looking for just the right curriculum for my girls!”
“How old are they?”
“3 and 5.”
I can’t tell you how often I’ve had this conversation with new homeschoolers. It’s understandable—parents want to give their children the best start in life and think finding the perfect curriculum is the key. But the best homeschooling advice I’ve ever received came from my friend Becky, who told me years ago, “I don’t do kindergarten.”
That phrase stuck with me; over time, I’ve embraced its wisdom. Rushing into formal academics often does more harm than good. Instead, I’ve adopted the better late than early philosophy, made famous by Raymond and Dorothy Moore in their 1975 book of the same name. Homeschooling doesn’t mean replicating school at home. It’s about inspiring a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
Let Learning Unfold Naturally
In my experience, trying to sit a 3- or 4-year-old down for formal lessons often backfires. Sure, you might teach them to read early, but that achievement can come at the expense of their natural curiosity and love for learning. Most young children thrive on exploration, play, and sensory experiences. They retain lessons by observing, imitating, and interacting with their environment—not by completing worksheets.
As homeschoolers, we don’t want to stifle these impulses with early academic pressure. Our job is to encourage and nurture them. Research even supports this. The Moores argued that early academic instruction doesn’t translate into long-term success. Instead, they recommend waiting until children are developmentally ready—around ages 6 to 7, or even 8 to 10—for formal studies. In a loving, supportive home, foundational skills will naturally emerge through daily life.
Create an Educational Environment Without the Pressure
This doesn’t mean abandoning education altogether or letting your kids sit in front of screens all day. Instead, it’s about creating an engaging environment that fosters curiosity and discovery. Leave the formal lessons for later, and focus on the joy of learning. The joy of discovery!
For example:
- Introduce letters naturally: Point out letter sounds while playing. “Oh, look! That’s an M. It says ‘mmm,’ like Mommy!”
- Play with numbers: Count, add, and subtract while stacking blocks or setting the table.
- Explore the outdoors: Take walks in the park, observing plants, animals, and the changing seasons. Skip the formal science program and let nature be the teacher.
- Read aloud: Share books that spark their imagination. When they’re ready for phonics, their love of stories will motivate them to learn to read.
The Power of Play
Play is essential in the preschool years. Through play, children learn sharing, logic, motor skills, and so much more. When my kids were young, we prioritized play over structured academics. It wasn’t just fun—it was formative. They learned to share, follow the rules, logic, small and large motor skills, and much more.
When my children finally began formal studies, they were eager and ready. My oldest son, for example, didn’t start formal science lessons until high school. Up until then, science was all about nature walks and real books. Yet he scored a perfect 36 on the ACT science section. The same child didn’t take off reading until he was 10, but he later earned a 35 in reading on the ACT. He’s now a nurse practitioner and proof that waiting can work.
Why Starting Too Early Can Backfire: The Importance of Readiness
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a homeschooling parent is this: teaching a child too early can lead to frustration—for both you and your child—and hinder their future learning. When children are introduced to concepts like reading or math before they are developmentally ready, it often takes them much longer to grasp those concepts. What might take months of effort for a 4-year-old to learn could be mastered by a 7-year-old who is ready in just a few weeks.
This early frustration can have lasting consequences. Struggling with tasks they aren’t ready for can make children feel discouraged or even believe they’re “bad” at a subject. This can stifle their natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. On the other hand, waiting until they’re ready sets the stage for success. When children are developmentally prepared, they can learn with ease and satisfaction, reinforcing their confidence and enjoyment of the subject.
For example, I’ve seen children who were pushed to read at an early age grow to dislike reading because of the struggle it entailed. In contrast, children who were introduced to reading when they were ready often found the process joyful and rewarding. The same principle applies to other subjects like math, writing, or even textbook science. When learning feels easy and natural, children experience the satisfaction of mastering a new skill without unnecessary stress.
The Satisfaction of Waiting for Readiness
As homeschoolers, we have the privilege of waiting for readiness. We aren’t bound by rigid school timelines or standardized testing schedules. Instead, we can observe our children, recognize when they are developmentally prepared, and tailor their education accordingly.
When we wait for readiness, we aren’t delaying their education—we’re preparing them for success. By allowing our children to mature and develop at their own pace, we give them the gift of joyful learning. And isn’t that what homeschooling is all about?
Take a Breath—and Head to the Park
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about picking the perfect curriculum for your 6-year-old, take a step back. Breathe. Instead of stressing over lesson plans, grab a ball and head to the park. Learning is everywhere, especially when it’s rooted in love, curiosity, and joy. Trust the process, and trust your child. You’ve got this.
What are your thoughts on this topic? To continue the discussion, join me and other homeschooling parents at our Homeschool Connections Community or our Facebook group!
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