h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Is four and a half too young for children to start formal learning?
Would like comments for and against.

ANy access to studies or research in this area?

Anyone with experience of foreign education e.g. Norway or Sweden where formal learning begins at seven?

<./>askh2g2</.> is probably a better place to ask this as many researchers visit that page.



Mort

hi!!!!!
4& 1/2 is not too early.,the earlier u start formal education,the better.well,education has no particular startor end....its alifelong process....so go in for it.....>

Is four and a half too young for children to start formal learning?

Well, to an extent, I agree with Monali, that 'education has no particular startor end....its alifelong process'.

However, I'm uncomfortable with your phrase 'formal education'. As a teacher, IMHO, the British educational system (with its regime of constant testing) has stultified people's joy of learning.

Was it Mark Twain who commented, 'Don't let school get in the way of your education'.

Have a look at some more quotes pertaining to education on my PS.

4 1/2 is NOT to young for kids to start learning!

Depends on the child. My daughter was more than ready but my son most definateley was not and I am sure it harmed him emotionally, as well as
restricting his intellectual growth in those important formative years.

I think I read (in the last year or two) about some research in somewhere like Belgium, or it may have been Holland, which seemed to show that children who start school earlier make slower progress.