[HPforGrownups] Before Hogwarts ?

[the firey chasm from whence it came]

No: HPFGUIDX 67783


>- First (stupid?) thought: What do wizard children do before going to
>Hogwarts. First years homework goes straight with essays and stuff. I mean
>where do they learn how to write, read or count (+grammar, basic maths...) ?
>Do parents have to be private teachers at home from birth to 11th birthday ?

She was asked about this in an interview once, where I think she said they 
weren't required to go to school before Hogwarts, but at the same time she 
didn't mention how they learned to read and write and stuff. I've generally 
assumed that they must be homeschooled to some degree before they start 
Hogwarts, since they're clearly expected to know how to read and write 
already by the time they get there.

A lot of the pureblood families seem to be wealthy, so it's probably not 
much of a stretch to think that they can hire tutors or something for their 
children. But a family like the Weasleys would certainly have their hands full!

>- Another (very stupid?) thought: I can't remember JKR mentioning showers or
>baths (except in GoF with the egg scene). Students always "change to their
>pajamas" or "get up and get dressed".

Well, certainly they must bathe! I figure it's just one of those things we 
can safely assume they do, without them having to mention it. I mean, they 
don't mention them ever going to the bathroom either, but I think it's 
pretty safe to assume that magical people pee! ;)

~dream