The system itself prevents children from learning. John Gatto says that 'some children learn to read when they're 2, some when they're 8, and by the time they'r

The system itself prevents children from learning. John Gatto says that 'some children learn to read when they're 2, some when they're 8, and by the time they're 12 you can't tell the difference' (paraphrased from memory). I met a fellow who was traumatized by being forced to try to learn to read before he was ready (1st grade). He eventually learned how to read, in spite of the System's attempt to prevent it. The most important factor in teaching kids to read is waiting for them to be ready.