The Moore Formula
Raymond and Dorothy Moore are often called the grandparents of the homeschool movement. Their Moore Foundation has been providing support and guidance for parents for many years. The Moores are best known for their theory that formal school is better started later than early, with very little or no formal schooling taking place before age 8.
That does not mean that children are left to their own devices during the early years; instead, they focus on service as well as playing. Chores within the home and volunteering with their parents outside of the home are emphasized in the Moore Formula, which says:
- Study from a few minutes to several hours a day, depending on the child's maturity.
- Manual work at least as much as study.
- Home and/or community service an hour or so a day. Focus on kids' interests and needs; be an example in consistency, curiosity, and patience. Live with them!
Source: Homeschool the Moore Formula Way; http://www.moorefoundation.com/article.php?id=3
Susan McGlohn has written two articles based on her experience with the Moore Formula, Homeschooling Using the Moore Formula and Raising God-Directed Learners. You can find out more about the Moore Formula at the Moore Foundation and Academy website.