What is a First Grader?

 

 

 

Want to know what a first grader is like?  Do you see some of these characteristics in your child? Don't worry.  You are not alone!

 

 

How They Grow

The average six-year-old is extremely egocentric and wants to be the center of attention. She or he:

 

  • Wants to be the "best" and "first."
  • Has boundless energy.
  • May be oppositional, silly, brash, and critical.
  • Cries easily; shows a variety of tension-releasing behavior.
  • Is attached to the teacher.
  • Has difficulty being flexible.
  • Often considers fantasy real.

    Where They're Going

    At six years old, your child is learning to understand himself. You can help by encouraging him as she or he:

     

  • Develops a positive, realistic self-concept.
  • Learns to respect himself.
  • Begins to understand his own uniqueness.
  • Gains awareness of his feelings.
  • Learns to express feelings.
  • Learns how to participate in groups.
  • Begins to learn from his mistakes.
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    What They're Learning

    By the end of first grade your child should be able to:

     

  • Read at least 100 sight words.
  • Locate the main idea and details in stories.
  • Recall the sequence of events in oral and written stories.
  • Print words legibly.
  • Write words legibly in manuscript form.
  • Capitalize the first word in a sentence and use the period and question mark at the end of a sentence.
  • Recognize the singular and plural forms of nouns.
  • Count to 100 by one's, two's, five's, and ten's.
  • Write the numerals to 100.
  • Add and subtract numbers up to and from 20.
  • Use simple maps and globes.
  • Make more detailed observations of the natural world.
  • What They Like to Do

     

    • enjoy many activities and keep busy
    • paint and draw
    • discover their loose tooth
    • practice skills to become better
    • jump rope
    • ride bikes

     

     

     

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