ATTRIBUTES OF FIRST GRADERS

The average six-year-old is extremely egocentric and wants to be the center
of attention. S/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


FIRST GRADE BASIC SKILLS

By the end of the year most students will 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.
• 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 10.

 

SELF CONCEPT AND INDEPENDENCE

Growing up can sometimes be a strain for the six year old.  They are often stubborn, assertive and bossy, yet extremely sensitive to real or imagined slights.  Because they are sometimes ashamed of their mistakes and fears, six year olds are careful not to expose themselves to criticism.

Relating to Others

• A six year old's friendships are sometimes erratic and may change quite often.  Children might pair up and have trouble allowing others to join in their game.  Boys and girls will play together, but usually friendships among the same sex are the strongest.
• The perceptive six year old is highly sensitive to changes in an adult's moods.
• While six year olds can be sensitive to parents, they are also trying to build a sense of self by breaking away.  Temper tantrums are often directed at parents, and the child may sometimes refuse to obey.
• Six can be a trying age.  Adults need to keep a sense of perspective and humor, and remember that this is a transitional stage that will pass.

Activities and Games

• Physical activities like bike riding, swimming, tag, and hide and seek are typical six year old activities.

 HOW PARENTS CAN HELP FIRST GRADERS

In first grade teachers are helping students grow socially as well as
academically. At six years old, a child is learning to understand
him/herself. Parents can help by encouraging him/her as s/he:

•  Develops a positive, realistic self-concept.
•  Learns to respect him/herself.
•  Begins to understand his/her own uniqueness.
•  Gains awareness of his/her feelings.
•  Learns to express feelings.
•  Learns how to participate in groups.
•  Begins to learn from his/her mistakes.