Those first, formative years

"I heard my first stories in my mother's voice. A satisfactory substitute for that technique has yet to be devised, because most of who we are is decided in those first fleeting years of life before we ever see a school" (Richard Peck, Newbery Medal winner for A Year Down Yonder).

As a former elementary teacher, Peck's comment resonates with me. So much of a child's character, personality and readiness to learn are shaped in the precious early years of life. That is not to say that the current cannot be changed later in life; it is simply that the stream has gathered more force.