10 Takeaways! Book Review: Better Late than Early

• 

You may have heard of this highly sought after classic from the 1970’s, especially if you follow the “Homeschool Made Simple” philosophy, as this book is on their booklist, and is foundational to their educational philosophy. Dr. Raymond S. Moore and his wife Dorothy N. Moore challenge conventional wisdom presenting a compelling case for allowing more time for growth and development before formal schooling. It is out of print, and since you’ll be hard pressed to find it for sale under $60 (I checked!), we thought a book review was in order!

Top Ten Takeaways from “Better Late Than Early” by Raymond and Dorothy Moore

1. • Delayed Formal Education: Drawing on extensive research and experience, the Moores advocate for delaying formal education until children are around 8 to 10 years old. They argue that early academic pressure can lead to burnout and stress, which may negatively impact a child’s long-term academic success, love of learning, and mental well-being.

• • Developmental Readiness: Children develop at different rates, and many are not ready for structured learning environments at the age of five or six. The Moores emphasize the importance of waiting until a child shows clear signs of readiness for formal education.

• • The Role of Play: Play is crucial in early childhood development. Through play, children develop social skills, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and physical coordination. The authors stress that play should be the primary activity for young children.

• • Parental Involvement: Parents are the best educators for their young children. The Moores encourage parents to be actively involved in their children’s early learning, providing a nurturing and stimulating home environment.

• • Individualized Learning: Each child is unique, with different interests, strengths, and learning styles. A personalized approach to education that respects and accommodates these differences in each child will set them up for success.

• • Emotional and Social Development: Early education should focus on emotional and social development as much as, if not more than, academic skills. Building a child’s confidence, self-esteem, and ability to interact positively with others is essential for future success.

• • Practical Life Skills: Teaching children practical life skills, such as cooking, cleaning, and gardening, is an integral part of their education. These activities help children develop responsibility, independence, and a sense of accomplishment.

• • Health and Physical Development: Proper nutrition, ample physical activity, and sufficient sleep are vital for a child’s overall development. A healthy lifestyle supports learning and growth.

• • Reading and Literacy: While the Moores advise against formal reading instruction at an early age, they recommend reading to children regularly to foster a love of books and language. This can lay a strong foundation for future literacy.

• • Long-Term Benefits: Delaying formal education can lead to more positive outcomes in the long run, including higher academic achievement, better mental health, and a greater love of learning. The Moores present evidence that children who start school later often excel academically and socially.

Additional Resources

If these takeaways resonates with you, here are some other books you may want to keep an eye out for next time you’re book hunting at the thrift store, or searching online. Have you heard of any of these?

1. “The Hurried Child: Growing Up Too Fast Too Soon” by David Elkind

Elkind explores the pressures children face when they are pushed into early academic and social expectations. He advocates for allowing children to develop at their own pace and stresses the importance of childhood as a time for play and growth.

2. “How Children Learn” by John Holt

The classic, “How Children Learn” explores children’s innate curiosity and capacity for self-directed learning. Holt emphasizing the importance of play, exploration, and hands-on experiences. He argues that adults should act as facilitators rather than dictators of knowledge, nurturing children’s natural curiosity and allowing them to learn at their own pace and in their own learning style.

3. “The Well-Trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home” by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise

While focusing on classical education, this book also emphasizes the importance of developmental readiness and provides a flexible framework that parents can adapt to their child’s individual pace and needs.

4. “School Can Wait” by Raymond and Dorothy Moore

This book is another work by the Moores that delves into the research supporting the benefits of delaying formal schooling. It provides further evidence and practical guidance for parents considering this approach. 

Those of you who have read this book and lived out this holistic philosophy, what else can you tell us? Are there any main points we missed, or specifics you find particularly compelling? Please share!