Dorothy Nelson Moore, a part-time Honolulu resident, believed children were pushed into school at too young an age, and initiated the modern home-schooling movement with her husband, educator-researcher Raymond Moore. Home-schooling
trailblazer dies, 86Dorothy Nelson Moore / Educational Pioneer
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By Pat Gee
pgee@starbulletin.comMoore died at her Kahala home Feb. 21, following a massive stroke, at age 86. She also resided in Camas, Wash. "I was the leader, she was my everything -- secretary, top professional," said her husband of 63 years. "She was an amazing woman. I'm just glad to see her not suffering."
Born in Bruce, S.D., she co-authored or authored 13 books and several manuals on home schooling. She was a reading specialist, lecturer and teacher-consultant around the world. In 1960 she was founding director of the Cerebral Palsy Clinic at Loma Linda University Medical School.
The couple started the Moore Foundation in 1961 and the Moore Academy, which has more than 400 students. Their home-schooling formula encourages parents not to "subject your children to formal, scheduled study before age 8 to 10 or 12," according to their moorefoundation.com Web site.
Raymond Moore said children's senses are not ready or mature enough to handle formalized study until a later age. But until then parents can teach them basic skills, encourage creative projects, read to them and get them involved with home and community entrepreneurial work and volunteer service.
"She believed children were put in school much too early. I started researching this, and the initial program was started by Dorothy. Next thing, we had a major movement," he said.
She is also survived by son Dennis; daughter Kathleen Kordenbrock; seven hanai children, including Mari Tokizaki-Lim; and three grandchildren. Private services will be held. Arrangements have been made by Moanalua Mortuary.