I have friends who have given the Primary Math textbook to the child and let them teach themselves a lesson (not every day). The textbook is written to the child, and shows the thinking of the characters in the book (in thought bubbles over their heads), so it is possible. I, myself, have sometimes given the textbook to ds(nearly 10) and it has worked out fine. He was able to do the workbook problems independently afterward. I wouldn't do it every day, but it is a very clearly-written textbook. I think it could work well for those kids interested in "getting on with it." At least SOMEtimes.