Going to grade one is a very big step for a child. He or she is now beginning the formal years of school and attending school on a full time basis. There are many new changes a little one will have to accept before the end of September. A child will need have a new teacher, new classroom and new routine. These simple changes are very hard on a child who is use to a consistent routine.
Understanding what is expected from teachers and how parents can help a child feel more confident will make all the difference. Walking with a child through the anxious feelings will make the start of school a happy one.
A Few Things About Six Year Olds
One thing to remember about a six year old is that he or she is a creature of habit. Children need the structure of a schedule and thrive when they know what is happening next. Ever notice how a child knows instinctively when he or she wants breakfast, lunch and dinner and it is always on time even if the parent is not? These creatures of habit love to have routine, for it gives control over their world. This is a good thing for a child to have; however, the beginning of school will take this control away until the child starts to figure out how the class day works.
Be prepared for tears and meltdowns until November. Getting use to a new routine is harder for a child than a parent thinks. A child is told when to sit, when to move, when to eat, when to play and this structure can be overwhelming. Parents may see more tears, fights with siblings or even defiant behaviour toward authority figures. All of this should be expected, and parents should think how they plan to deal with this behaviour if it should arise.
Giving a child some down time after coming home from school is essential for a parent to provide. A cuddle on the sofa to watch TV or listening to a child's favourite CD can be great ways to unwind. Take the time to spend with the child and don't rush to make supper, but sit and listen or colour together. Just spending time will make this transition to full time school easier for both parent and child.
Children in grade one are very social and will use this time to chat instead of eating. Parents should ask the child to help pack his or her lunch to ensure all the food will be eaten. Talking about how important lunch is for the brain, and how much of the lunch the parent expects the child to bring home, is important as well. Parents should not discourage talking, but a happy medium should be found.
Before School Starts
Before school begins, it is important to visit the school and show a child where his or her classroom is located. Going on a tour and locating the bathrooms, gym, office, Principal's office and the water fountain will help a child feel more confident in a new environment. Parents should also take this time to show the child where he or she will be picked up at the end of each day. If the teacher is there in the room, go in and see where the child’s cubby is located and where he or she will be sitting.
Parents who meet the teacher before the start of school will have more time to speak him or her. The hustle and bustle of the first few weeks is extremely hectic. Teachers are using the mornings to focus on a routine for the students of entering the classroom. Parents should visit before the start of the year to discuss food allergies or medical concerns, and teachers will have more time to have a discussion without an after school appointment or phone call.
What to Expect Academically
Children entering grade one should have some basic skills in language arts and mathematics that were taught in Kindergarten. Parents should look at their child's Kindergarten report card and review skills, even if the child has mastered most skill areas. Here are some skills a child will be tested on in the first few weeks of school.
Please note that the following skills do not have to be mastered at the start of grade one but will give the teacher a starting point to which to assist the child.
Language Arts:
- Can recite the alphabet without singing
- Can name all upper and lowercase letters in no particular order
- Letter sounds
- Basic Dolch sight words such as dog, of, it, is, on
- Colour words
Mathematics:
- Count to 100
- Recognize numbers to 20 in no particular order
- Recognize shapes and draw a circle, square, rectangle, oval and triangle
- Number words up to ten
Beginning school is a very exciting time for both parent and child. Visiting the school and meeting the teacher are great ways to help a child feel more at ease. Practising skill areas in language arts and math will also help a child feel more confident when starting school in the fall. Parents should remember the start of school is very difficult for a young child until the routine is completely established. Keeping this in mind can make for an easier transition to the start of grade one.
If you found this article helpful try Starting Kindergarten in the Fall by Jackie Parsons
 |
