In my homeschooling journey as a mother of six children, I have consistently chosen to delay formal lessons until the age of 7 for profound reasons rooted in both faith and a deep understanding of child development.
Drawing inspiration from the Catholic teachings that guide our family, I believe in fostering an environment where my children’s spiritual and emotional growth is more valued than their academic achievements. Some might not agree with this method of homeschooling and that’s okay! I do however urge you to hear me out on delaying formal education though.
By delaying the introduction of formal lessons, I aim to give them the gift of a unhurried childhood, allowing their minds and spirits to unfold naturally and in their own timeline. This intentional approach aligns seamlessly with my philosophy of Homeschooling for Heaven, emphasizing the importance of nurturing future Saints who are not only intellectually capable but also emotionally resilient and spiritually grounded.
As a homeschooling mother with over 15 years of teaching experience, I have witnessed the transformative impact of delayed formal education on my own children, instilling in them a love for learning and a harmonious balance between faith and knowledge that transcends traditional educational norms. We’re doing things differently, unapologetically.
Why The PROVEN Benefits Can’t Be Ignored!
In a groundbreaking study published in October 2015 by the National Bureau of Economic Research, researchers Thomas Dee and Hans Henrik Sievertsen shed light on a fascinating aspect of early childhood education: delaying kindergarten until age 7 can provide significant mental health benefits to children. The study, aptly titled “The Gift of Time? School Starting Age and Mental Health,” not only challenges conventional notions about the ideal age for starting formal education but also underscores the long-lasting positive impacts on a child’s self-regulation and mental well-being.
According to the research findings, children who entered kindergarten one year later exhibited remarkable improvements in self-control over attention and hyperactivity levels. Stanford Graduate School of Education Prof. Thomas Dee, one of the co-authors of the study, highlighted the substantial advantages gained by delaying kindergarten, stating, “We found that delaying kindergarten for one year reduced inattention and hyperactivity by 73 percent for an average child at age 11 and virtually eliminated the probability that an average child at that age would have an ‘abnormal’ or higher-than-normal rating for the inattentive-hyperactive behavioral measure.”
The study utilized extensive data from tens of thousands of students, drawing from a mental-health screening survey employed to assess children across Denmark. By cross-referencing this information with Denmark’s census, the researchers were able to establish a compelling correlation between delayed kindergarten entry and enhanced self-control.
Delaying Kindergarten For Mental Health
These findings hold crucial implications for parents, educators, and policymakers, suggesting that a thoughtful approach to the timing of formal education can significantly contribute to a child’s overall development and mental health.
From a homeschooling perspective, this study reinforces the importance of flexibility and individualized approaches to education. It aligns with the values of Homeschooling for Heaven, emphasizing the holistic development of a child, not just academically but also mentally and emotionally. As we focus on raising Saints and nurturing children in accordance with our faith, this research supports the idea that delaying the formalized structure of formal education can positively impact a child’s mental health and, subsequently, their ability to thrive academically.
This is one of the reasons why we also choose unschooling.
I urge you to consider incorporating this research into your home education choices. The connection between delayed kindergarten entry and the potential for improved self-regulation and attention is something we shouldn’t ignore.
foster a love of learning
“We can best help children learn, not by deciding what we think they should learn and thinking of ingenious ways to teach it to them, but by making the world, as far as we can, accessible to them, paying serious attention to what they do, answering their questions — if they have any — and helping them explore the things they are most interested in.”
― John Holt
What We Do Instead of Formal Lessons
In the early years of our homeschooling journey, we embrace a holistic approach that prioritizes the development of the whole child. Inspired by Montessori principles, we create an environment that encourages independence and self-directed learning. Practical life skills take center stage during these formative years, as we believe that instilling a sense of responsibility and capability is fundamental to a child’s overall growth. From tying shoelaces to pouring their own drinks, these activities not only foster independence but also lay the foundation for essential life skills.
Open-Ended Playtime
Unstructured, open-ended play occupies a central role in our homeschooling approach. Recognizing the immense value of play in cognitive and emotional development, we provide ample time for imaginative exploration. This unstructured play allows our children to develop creativity, problem-solving skills, and social competence. It is within the realm of play that they naturally absorb knowledge, building a strong foundation for future academic pursuits.
A Love of Reading
Nurturing a love for reading is paramount in our homeschooling philosophy. We surround our children with a rich array of literature, incorporating daily read-aloud sessions and allowing them to explore a variety of books independently. This emphasis on literacy extends beyond traditional reading, as we integrate play-based learning to introduce early literacy concepts, the alphabet, and basic math skills. Through engaging activities and hands-on experiences, our children absorb foundational knowledge naturally, fostering a joyous connection to learning.
Exploring Nature
Spending significant time outdoors is a cornerstone of our homeschooling routine. We align with the 1000 Hours Outside initiative, recognizing the countless benefits of nature in a child’s physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Exploring the wonders of the natural world becomes an integral part of our curriculum, fostering a deep connection to God’s creation and instilling a sense of stewardship for the environment.
The 1000 Hours Outside initiative encourages families to aim for spending 1000 hours outdoors each year. This commitment not only enhances physical health but also cultivates a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of the world around us. As we embark on nature walks, engage in outdoor play, and incorporate lessons under the open sky, we witness the positive impact of this initiative on our children’s overall well-being.
Montessori Method
The Montessori method offers a remarkable foundation for children before the age of seven, laying a strong groundwork for their formal education later on. This approach emphasizes hands-on, self-paced, and child-centered learning, which fosters independence and critical thinking from an early age. By engaging with Montessori materials, children develop fine motor skills, sensory perception, and a deep understanding of fundamental concepts in math, language, and science. This immersive learning method nurtures curiosity and a love for learning, setting the stage for academic success in educational settings, including homeschooling.
Moreover, the Montessori method cultivates essential life skills such as concentration, self-discipline, and social interaction. Children learn to work collaboratively, respect others, and take responsibility for their actions, which are crucial qualities for future academic and personal endeavors. This holistic approach aligns beautifully with a faith-based homeschooling framework, where the aim is to educate the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. By integrating Montessori principles, parents can create a rich and nurturing environment that prepares their children not only for formal education but also for a life of purpose and faith.
In weaving together Montessori methods, life skills, a love for reading, unstructured play, and outdoor exploration, our homeschooling journey is a rich tapestry of experiences.
Play-based learning serves as the cornerstone, seamlessly integrating early literacy, alphabet recognition, and foundational math skills into our everyday activities. By nurturing the whole child through these intentional practices, we believe we are not just raising academically proficient individuals but, more importantly, Saints in the making who embrace learning with joy, curiosity, and a deep connection to their faith.
As homeschooling mothers, let’s offer our children the gift of time and a foundation for mental health that aligns with our mission of Homeschooling for Heaven.
