I don't object to children being in childcare, and its positively good for them to be away from their families for portions of the day when they are 4 or 5. It just seems silly to be formally educating them and expecting so much from them at such a young age.
What happened to them being children, having fun and learning those all important social skills.
Some kids may be ready to start formal learning at this age, but in my experience the majority could do with another year or two under an early years type structure, where they get to learn what they want to, when they feel ready, and they learn this through play.
Anyway Aidan started Year R, and loved the play part, the socialialising bit, and the new sense of independence. This all sadly came with a push to learn his phonics.
It was clear from very early on that he was'nt getting on with his phonics and reading quite as well as the other kids his age. I completely understand that 5 years ago it was very difficult to diagnose dyslexia at such a young age, but it seemed to be assumed that he just needed pushing, and would catch up at some point.
His school do a reading scheme, and when he struggled the main advice was to put him back a few books, which just led to him being bored and even more frustrated. For a mellow boy its amazing to see the Jekyl and Hyde type change that happens in the house when he is asked to do homework.
This daily struggle continued on throughout infant school. Aidan is a very bright boy, and he managed to hide alot of his struggles for a long time.
Fast forward to junior school year 3..........
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