Once kindergarten graduation happens, things really start to change with kids. No only are many of the major milestones fulfilled from the baby years, but there are so many changes and growth — mentally, emotionally, and physically. It will seem like kids in the age range of 6 and 7 years old are picking up new skills and abilities weekly, and they most certainly are.
There really is so much growth at this age, and kids are often very eager to learn and open up to new things both academically and socially. And there are some things that are great for kids to know as they enter the first grade to help them make a smooth transition.
It's not just about reading, writing, and arithmetic (though those skills are also needed). This is about further developing fine motor skills, working on comprehension and story telling, as well as science and social studies. Plus, a child's social skills are continuously developing, and it is at this age when bigger strides are made with friendships as well as independence.
Typically, it is at the first-grade level when kids begin to truly learn to read — it is all part of stepping stones for their fluency through all subjects, each of which will develop at each child's own pace through the year.
It's also important to remember that all children develop and grow at their own pace. So just because one child may have mastered all on this list before or even during first grade, doesn't mean that every child will. These are just some goals for kids to work toward before first grade as well as through elementary school.
KNOWING VITAL INFORMATION.
It's important for kids to not only know their full name but the name of their parents, their address, and phone number. Try making it into a song for kids to remember it more easily.
THE ALPHABET.
The ABCs don't always come easily for all kids — and that's completely fine. But get that song going for kids to remember and it will serve them well into first grade.
HOW TO WRITE THEIR OWN NAME.
Writing their own name sometimes comes early for kids — in preschool. Others take a little more time to master this skill. By the time first grade rolls around, writing their first name comes more easily and now parents can add the last name, too.
HOW TO USE SCISSORS.
It's not the easiest thing to learn how to use scissors — there is a certain dexterity needed. But the more kids practice, the better they get and the more confident they are.
HOW TO COUNT.
Whether using fingers for assistance or not, counting is a great skill for kids to master. Sure, kids may fake parents out by saying "One, two, skip a few, 99, or 100!" but let them go for the whole roster of numerals as well.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN GROUP ACTIVITIES.
It's imperative for kids to play well together especially as they get older, and it's also important for kids not to feel left out when group activities happen. Even if a child is more of an introvert, partaking in group activities together is a great skill to learn … within their own comfort zones.
RAISE THEIR HAND.
There is an art involved in helping children know they should raise their hand in class. Kids need to feel like they are being heard, and they will also learn patience as they wait to be called on.
SIT STILL.
Rug time in first grade is often an important part of the lesson — there is a skill in sitting still and listening. First graders work on this a lot.
ASK FOR HELP.
Many parents say "Use your words" and this is an important skill for kids. They need to not only use their words to ask for what they want but in every situation. It's key to make sure kids are comfortable talking about what may be bothering them or if they need help with anything at all.
SHARE WITH CLASSMATES.
Sharing is a skill that is learned early yet needs to be consistently relearned. And that's okay. Not everyone likes to share all things, but when kids learn about sharing, as well as empathy and kindness, this act becomes a bit easier.
BEING A STORYTELLER.
Storytelling is a gift, and parents can help their kids grow this talent by reading a book to them and then having the child retell it in their own words. It's a beautiful exercise.
RHYMING.
Plain and simple, rhyming is fun. And it can be easily done. While wearing a bun. Or sitting in the sun. See? Quick thought: This kind of rhyming exercise would be great on long car rides.
SPEAKING IN SENTENCES.
Kids begin to start speaking in clearer sentences around this age, and it's a joy to behold. Sentences may be short, but they will expand as the year goes on.
IDENTIFYING SHAPES.
Early geometry with identification of different shapes is an exploratory wonder for kids. Playing with tactile objects as well as drawing circles, squares, and triangles also helps kids deepen their understanding.
KNOWING UPPERCASE AND LOWERCASE LETTERS.
The identification of uppercase and lowercase letters begins to happen more and more as a kid enters and goes through the first grade. And the phrase "finger space" may be one parents start to hear a lot.
SHOWING CURIOSITY.
The beauty of curiosity is one of the beautiful things about being a child — so many new things to learn. And it seems to be growing even more at the age of 6 and 7 because a child's vocabulary is growing and children are able to articulate their wonderment. Encouraging a kid's curiosity — as well as seeing a mind open up to new things — is truly incredible.
