Teaching reading & writing - why so young?

[FimbleHobbs]

DS is in year R and enjoying it mostly (not as much as pre-school, but does like it) - he has been learning letters and comes home with homework sheets once a week. Socially he seems to be getting on fine, has made a few close friends and gets on with the others in the main (apart from the little oik who pushes him over in the playground )

Took him to the opticians recently and discovered he is long sighted - apparently this is normal, most children are long sighted until c.6 years old. He doesn't need glasses/treatment as it will right itself over a couple of years.

I have always felt 4 is a bit small to worry about learning to read/write - better just to enjoy books imo - and I know boys in particular are often not ready at this age.

But I was really surprised that we expect children to learn to read and write when it is normal for them not to be able to see/focus at short distances!

I think it depends massively on the child. Some are ready to start reading at this age, others aren't. It would be a shame not to tap in to the eagerness to learn of some children, but seems pushy and 'forced' to others.
I think it depends massively on your class teacher. If they are capable of teaching children at various stages and levels of development, it shouldn't be a problem.
School in our village doesn't have enough kids so reception and yr one share a teacher, year 2 & 3 share etc....
it never seems to do them any harm to be in mixed ability classes. I think if parents feel their child is being frustrated or forced to learn something too early the teacher is not doing a very good job...