It really depends on your child. Parents often use the book lists as early as 2-3 years old, reading aloud and exposing their child to excellent literature. Parents are not teaching, just reading. Phonics then becomes the next logical step, typically beginning between the ages of 4-6, depending on the maturity of the child and his ability to focus on a lesson long enough to make it profitable. Phonics readiness is developmental, and pushing a child to sit still and learn is not fruitful.  If your child is not interested in phonics after age five, put it away for a few weeks and then try again. Projects, language arts skills, and science concepts are best added to your child’s program when she demonstrates a desire and the ability to learn.