Dr. Raymond Moore was part of a group of American educators who studied child learning for the United States Office of Economic Opportunity. Based on his research, Dr. Moore reached three conclusions:

1. Many children suffer unnecessary physical, mental, and emotional pressure because they are placed in school environments before their analytic abilities, senses of sight and hearing, nervous system, and motor coordination are sufficiently developed for academic demands.
2. Children are taught academic skills before they have enough knowledge or lived experiences to understand what they are learning and the related concepts.
3. Children under age 12 who spend more time with same-age peers than with adults often become peer-dependent, deriving their self-esteem from peers.

Dr. Moore and his wife Dorothy, two of the leading American advocates of home education, wrote many books on this subject. They described the following principles:

• Formal education should be delayed until the child is physically, mentally, and emotionally ready. This happens at different times for each child, and perceptive parents can identify the right moment. It is preferable to begin with multisensory programs, avoid workbook-heavy methods, and encourage practical and moral reading.
• A childs activities should be divided into three parts: one-third for studies, one-third for family activities, and one-third for service to others.
• Children who learn good habits and help with household tasks, family projects, or family businesses learn responsibility and service both inside and outside the home.
• When peer associations are carefully limited and guided, the family remains the center of the childs life without peer dependence.
• Children tend to excel academically when surrounded by caring adults who interact with them, read to them, show affection, and provide enriching experiences.
• Project-based or unit studies are among the most productive teaching methods, while routine exercises still help master specific subjects such as mathematics.

Pros

• Allows each child to learn at the right time.
• Reduces peer dependence.
• Emphasizes resilience, service to others, family involvement, and meaningful work.
• Provides more time to strengthen family unity.
• Helps prevent academic burn-out.

Cons

• Can be difficult to explain to relatives, friends, and authorities.
• Could delay learning more than necessary.

Translated and used with permission from Elijah Company.

Related link: www.moorefoundation.com