Published here with permission from The MOORE REPORT INTERNATIONAL - September/October 1995

The Moore Foundation, Box 1, Camas, WA 98607

Questions and Answers

"What About Early Education?"

[Editor: The following questions are typical of many we are receiving these days and the answer fits them all.]

Q. I've just recently been able to be a stay-at-home mom (2 months). So I'd appreciate any suggestions for dealing with so many little ones in education and teaching (five children under 5).

I've read The Successful Homeschool Family Handbook and it has already persuaded me that I don't need to get stressed out. It was also very nice to have the information to quote to my father- in-law when he expressed concern over my choice to homeschool. L.T., UT

Q. I am writing you today because I need clear direction on how to proceed in homeschooling my children. The time has now come, but I feel so overwhelmed by all the material that is available.

My children are 4-1/2 and 2. My oldest child is showing a desire to read and write. His interest has become so overwhelming that I must take notice and begin to do something. But what? He already can spell and write his name and copy all of the alphabet. I don't want to push him, but I do want to feed his tremendous desire to learn. The youngest loves books. I want to begin to pour into my children on a daily structure basis, guide them along at their own pace, and give them a good, solid biblical foundation.

Will you give me clear, concise directions as to where I should begin, or direct me to materials I can read that will do the same? I like your program by way of what I've seen through other mothers that follow your curriculum. However, their children are older, their lifestyle is different, and they live miles away from me. I am needing and looking for a solid foundation and the Lord has directed me to inquire from you.

Q. I would like to know if I am planning properly to homeschool my children. They are 4, 2, and 10 months. I have read Home Grown Kids and Better Late Than Early. I tend to be laid back, or at least I'm told, in regard to teaching.

Your newspaper said you could advise on curriculum plans. I plan on using a phonics program when they seem ready. Winston Grammar for English at ages 9-10. A science guide, even using it now, at 8-9 years. We already read to them   they picture themselves. They watch 1 hour of TV a week (9-1-1 on Tuesday). They can invent their own games. They are very active outside. They have daily chores: make bed, put up clothes, set table, etc. I also planned on reading biographies to them for history. For math we planned on using Math-It. In general, using unit study plans.

I guess what I am asking is this: Are we too laid back, or is this the manner in which you can homeschool?

We live in the city. We are a close family and do everything as a family. They visit with us in nursing home, etc. We understand and agree with physical work and service to learn "educational" things.

A. Your little children need only the structure and security of knowing that meals will be on time, that they have a time of uninterrupted play as well as work time, and that you will read to them a couple of times a day (or more). Within that reading time you can include Bible stories and biographies (history and social studies), nature books (science), so two subjects are taken care of right there. You can use some manipulatives to introduce your son to early math concepts (either Cuisenaire Rods or Fun at the Beach Felts), and awaken interest in learning to read through Game Way to Phonics and Reading. You will then be spending quality time with your oldest on a level that will not be stressful to his immature system. Even though these children have a yearning to learn, they are still babies. Everything you do must be short, easy, fun and as much as possible, active.

Begin by purchasing The Moore Formula Manual and using the suggestions in the Ages 5-9 section. If you need more help, consider contacting the Moore Academy and enrolling your young learner. Your personal educational counselor will help you satisfy social authorities without stressing your child. If you'd like to enroll in the Full Service Program we will be glad to help you in a more individualized manner. The curriculum guide is $10, but that applies toward enrollment. The guide contains much helpful information, like the sample schedule for children under 8. There are lots of hints there on how to teach the little ones. Also read Letters-to-the-Editor and other articles about families in this MOORE REPORT INTERNATIONAL.