He made some pretty incredible leaps on child rearing from Biblical quotes. I have heard the same quotes used to support very different beliefs. They advocate schedules, good quality food and consistent sleep patterns. This does not mean that if your child wants to learn to read that you don't teach him. It also doesn't mean that a child isn't learning during this period.
Parents are to read to their children alot to help develop their attention span.
They can play good music and develop tastes in their children for the best. Mostly, however, your goal is to develop a child who is disciplined, mannerly and has a heart for others. It is hoped that the free time will allow the child to find what interests him and where his strenths lie. With this formula, no one area of life is made more important than another. All are valuable.