Must formal school really hasten childhood's carefree phase?

I don't know if history of the computer is an appropriate subject to teach first graders but then again, I am not an expert in that field. What I know is that children must also learn to deal with those things they are not familiar with. We cannot go through life experiencing only those things that we are familiar with. Your niece seems to be very intelligent and so supporting her decision to leave the clasroom when new materials are presented may hurt her in the long run since she will then concentrate only on those things she feels is important or that she is familiar with. I think that defeats the purpose of school. Instead, it may be beneficial to suggest to her that examining topics and subjects that are unfamiliar and learning and doing well in them is a true test of cognitive ability. I don't think you would have given you paper back to the teacher without answers right? It would have meant failing. And in first grade that is one of the most important things to a child's development as well as to the child's ego. Learning how not to fail as well as accepting one's possibilities of failure are a challenge most first graders face. Its funny though because you niece chose to seek spiritual guidance when dealing with her inability to transcend. Spiritual therapy is the best way to enhance one's ability to transcend life's obstacles. I think she will be ok. Let her spread her wings so that one day she can soar and be able to reach even her highest goals.

Wow im surprised that grade 1 students study those things. When i was in grade one the major things i learned is the alphabet and the national anthem etc but not who invented the computers i don't even know how to multiply back in grade one just basic addition and my subtraction is bad. I couldn't even draw a decent apple. Talk about information overload, i really dont know if it will be good for children in the long run to learn such advance subject in such an early age but time change.

That is the only age when reason, logic and sense should be instilled in a child. As you are very aware, the human mind is like a hair that can snap easily. A trained mind will stand in good stead when the child grows up, giving the ability to withstand ethical and moral issues that might burn up uneducated or partly educated people. Moreover, only a tender brain put under stress can dream of great things, great achievements. I still believe in formal education. It is the one thing that makes life worth living.