1. Fiction:

Learning only begins at school

Fact:

• Parents are the first teachers
• Talking, reading and singing is a natural and important part of learning
• A lack of early learning experiences leads to lack of ‘school readiness’

2. Fiction:

English is best

Fact:

• The families’ first language is best used as this allows full expression of concepts and ideas
• Talking, reading and singing is a natural and important part of learning
• A child can transfer knowledge from their first language into the new language
• The first language in the home is the one that offers the child the most opportunities for learning
• First languages play a key part in culture, sense of identity and positive self-esteem

3. Fiction:

Health is not connected to learning

Fact:

• Health encompasses the physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing of a child
• Early identification and management of health issues is the key to a successful, happy child
• The more health risks students have, the more likely they will be academically challenged
• Improvement of even a single health risk factor could improve these children’s long term learning outcomes

4. Fiction:

If you don’t have to, you don’t need to.

Fact:

• The child’s right to an education is protected by law
• There are shared responsibilities defined by law for parents and schools

  

5. Fiction:

Just turn up at school on the day you turn five

Fact:

• Daily attendance is linked to successful life outcomes
• Children need to be enrolled before their first day
• Children will have the best start possible if they are prepared and confident
• Every day is important