Ellen Gould White über: "At what age should a child learn to read?"

Ellen White recommends giving more attention to physical development than mental development during the first six or seven years of life and not yet teaching from books. Instead, parents should nurture the child’s curiosity, patiently answer their questions, and give them opportunities to play and learn in nature. As the child’s mind develops, she advises that lessons from books may also be added; after the first six or seven years, both areas should receive attention if the child is in good physical condition. The quotation does not specify an exact age at which every child must learn to read.

First movement and nature, then books as well

»During the first six or seven years of a child’s life, special attention should be given to physical development rather than mental development. After this period, if the child is in good physical condition, the education of both should receive attention. […] Parents, especially mothers, should be the only teachers of the child’s mind. They should not teach from books. […] Children will generally be curious to learn about the things of nature. They will ask questions about what they see and hear, and parents should take this opportunity to teach and patiently answer their little questions. […] Teach them simple things from the book of nature and from their surroundings; and as their minds develop, lessons from books may be added and firmly impressed upon their memory.«

1 - Ellen Gould White, Child Guidance (CG 300.4)

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