How soon to start homeschooling?

[Russell Kline]

I am planning to homeschool our son, who is 2 years old. We order some 2
year old material for him from A BEKA and are planning to start later this
summer. Is that too soon. I don't want to burn him out. Any input would be
appreciated, as this is our first time.
Tracy Kline
rkl...@wko.com

[VLJe...@aol.com]

In a message dated 97-06-27 13:03:33 EDT, you write:

<< our son, who is 2 years old. We order some 2 year old material for him
from A BEKA and are planning to start later this summer. Is that too soon. I
don't want to burn him out >>

I think 2 (or even 5, 6, or 7) is way too young to start any type of formal
learning. There's so much you can do in the way of games and toys and kitchen
stuff, and bug hunting, flowers, zoos, etc without buying curriculum for a 2
year old. Even though it may sound like I'm getting on your case I'm not. I
just really dislike it when companies try to push people into formal
schooling for such young kids.

Not only will a child starting that young get burned out, studies have proven
that by the 4th grade any difference between the 'early starters' and their
classmates who started later is pretty much non-existent. Sometimes the early
kids actually do worse because they're already tired of formal schooling by
the age of 8 or 9. Another thing to be aware of is that a lot of close work,
like reading, before the age of 10 has been known to be a major factor in
nearsightedness and the need to wear glasses.

Just something to think about. (And don't even entertain the thought that
you might be a less than perfect mother. We all are. You show you care in the
fact that you sought advice from other sources than the curriculum supplier.)

Vickie