There is a misconception that reading and writing is best left until children reach school age and there is a tendency to believe that school alone is for teaching the 'abc's'. Pre-school aged children are all capable of learning and enjoy achieving success with language and literacy. Children who come to school with an awareness of literacy settle into the structure and demands of school with greater confidence and ease. Those children who taste success early will more likely go on to have a positive school experience with a lifelong love of learning.

While it can be said that all children 'move forward' in school, it is often where they start which can determine their success and sentiment toward their schooling. With up to 20 children in a class (and usually more) those who have a good understanding of reading tend to jump ahead in leaps and bounds. The gap between students can unfortunately grow greater throughout each school year as the levels of self-esteem diminish in students who struggle.

Common trends show that children are remaining at home for longer – frequently up until 6 years of age (or more). Playgroups and Kindergarten provide opportunities for children to develop social skills through play and interaction. Music classes introduce children to rhythm, rhyme and song. Physical activity classes improve coordination and gross motor skills in children. However there is a greater need in the community to provide services that engage children in pre-reading and literacy concepts so that they are more prepared to hit the ground running when they do reach school. There is no reason why young children cannot be exposed to learning to read and every reason that we SHOULD immerse them in literacy skills.