The Guide to 1st Grade
BY SHIRA ACKERMAN & KELSEY KLOSS
Review general curricula for first grade, learn what to expect for each subject, and discover the books and activities you can use at home to support learning in the classroom.
It feels like you were just buying your child’s first picture books, and already, it’s time for her to start 1st grade. (Need a tissue? It’s OK, we’ve been there.) But let’s be honest: Kids aren’t the only ones who get nervous about a new school year! That’s why we’ve created this 1st Grade Guide to make the leap easier than ever. Here, you’ll find all of the resources you need for a successful school year, so you can spend less time researching and more time learning with your little one — and, naturally, planning that cute first-day-of-school snapshot.
First grade is packed with important and exciting transitions as children leave behind much of the play of preschool and kindergarten, and begin to develop more academic skills. The 1st grade classroom is usually organized more like a traditional elementary school classroom, with tables and desks for students to spend most of their time at.
Your child will also go through a significant transition to more extensive learning. As your child adjusts, she may get tired at the end of the day or have trouble focusing as the day progresses — that’s normal! Just check with your child’s teacher on her progress, and work together to develop strategies if she is having trouble adjusting, especially at the beginning of the year.
Most importantly, prime your child for success by continuing the learning process at home with enriching books and activities that support what she’s learning in school. When your first grader spends time learning new skills with you, it not only makes that time more valuable to her, but also helps her reach the milestones expected of her at this age.
More coming in the next post... Stay tuned!
