To a large extent, I could have done most of that in a home school environment. My teacher for most of my junior high and high school math courses was the same guy, who earned a masters in math, and was certainly capable in all of the topics I studied, but he was mostly occupied teaching everyone else. And I am not sure how many public high schools even today are prepared to take students through calculus and beyond.

In fact, my personal feeling is that to the extent conventional axiom and theorem geometry is still taught in public schools, it is a waste of time. It interrupts the transition from first year algebra to second year algebra, requiring so much refresher work that it limits how much can be learned. All of the practical applications of geometry and trigonometry can be learned in a much more straightforward way in an analytical geometry context. The logical training can be acquired in any aspect of mathematics. Many more students could be introduced to calculus in high school, and classes could be taught in statistics and probability and linear algebra or numerical analysis and related programming of computers for solving and displaying math problems. But a better math curriculum for public schools seems to be limited by the capabilities of many secondary school math teachers, who had to take so many “education” classes that they could not go very far in their study of mathematics itself.

Many 5-year-olds aren’t physically ready to do a lot of writing. Two of mine weren’t: they could read Harry Potter at five, but barely write their own names. Had I tied reading and writing (which most schools do, by necessity–the kids have to be writing not because they have to be writing but because the teacher needs to evaluate their knowledge level through written work), I would have held back their reading skills by years.

On the other hand, my third is only three but can already write most of his name–he seems to be a different animal. In his case, I would start handwriting a little earlier than first grade because he is already forming letters on his own.

Mine have easily caught up in handwriting, mechanics, and composition even though we started a little late, so I don’t see any harm in waiting. I do see harm in pushing written work on a child who isn’t ready. And the change is very noticeable: one day they are sweating over writing a “KEEP OUT” sign for their bedroom door and the next day they’ve written a comic book. Then you know they are ready.

This is not a comment on the benefits/drawbacks of home vs. public schools, just an experience to share. I was a very bright young mathematician. In elementary school and junior high, I was not bored during math lessons, because while the teacher explained how to solve math problems, I was busy trying to figure out why it worked that way, or discovering alternate methods to come up with the answer. It kept me entertained and sharpened my skills and understanding.

Fast forward to more advanced topics, like calculus. Because of years of working problems on my own, instead of listening intently to the teacher, my listening skills and attention were poor. I would hope to figure things out by the day or two before a test, since I hadn’t paid close attention to the teacher’s demonstrations. The problems were too complex for me to figure out on my own. My acquired learning habit had become a two-edged sword!

If your daughter can read and has enough of her basic math facts down for her age, then she does have the basics under her belt. She’ll probably enjoy school unless she runs into a problem. If homeschooling isn’t working for you now, then make a change and see what happens. You can always change your mind again.

I started homeschooling my daughter in the middle of Kindergarten due to the fact they couldn\’t handle her \”outward\” behaviour. Which for her was wanting to get up, explore and learn. The way we always allowed her to do before she entered the school system. You would think in Kindergarten they would expect that. But in this school which in Los Angeles was considered the \”top blue ribbon school\” they weren\’t having it. Sit on the rug, follow the rules, no horseplay, no speaking unless you held your hand up. Follow the schedule! Now I know this may not be the instance in every kindergarten setting. Now jump forward, we are in 2nd grade, she has matured very well. Is at 3rd grade level with most subjects. But now I am highly considering putting her back in school, this time it would be a private school. I have a toddler at home who needs my attention, a 17 year old who is in an independent study program (he is pretty much self sufficient). It isn\’t about having \”me time\’, but I actually feel guilty because she has hit a \”wall\” with me and fusses constantly about doing her work. How in the world can I provide her a quality education? I guess this is more of a story to tell so parents know even if your heart is in it 100%, one can still doubt themselves. I hope I am making the right decision. The good news is that we can always come back to homeschool, but I feel so guilty for putting her in school. She is excited most of the time to start, but every now and then isn\’t certain. I am just hoping that she gains something wonderful that I haven\’t given her. Middle school seems to be a more appropriate time to start homeschool, because they will have all the basics under their belt????

One of my daughters was born Aug. 25, and in a district where the cutoff was Sep. 1, we chose to keep her at home another year so that she would not be the youngest in her class, last to get a driver’s license, last to date, etc.

But even without her particular age considerations, there is research to suggest that even waiting until age 7 to begin formal schooling has some benefits.

I did teach her to read during that year, but never followed such a structured curriculum as Julie suggests.