How to Help a First Grader Succeed in School

Many first graders are making the transition to a full day of school. They start focusing more on academics and less on play during their school day. They may be getting homework for the first time. The skills and habits they develop in first grade will stay with them as they continue through their school years. Help a first grader succeed with the following steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Meet with your child's teacher at the start of the school year. Ask about the curriculum. This will allow you to reinforce lessons at home. Ask about homework polices. If you are available find out if they use parent volunteers.
2. Talk about the stories you read together. Children in first grade are starting to work on reading comprehension. When you read a story ask them questions about the plot and characters to help them understand what they are reading.
3. Attend cultural events in your community. First graders are starting to learn the world is bigger then their neighborhoods. They will be learning about different cultures and their traditions. Attending cultural events can reinforce the lessons at school.
4. Give out an allowance. Children will be starting to learn about the value of money. They will be focusing on counting, using coins. Have children count out their allowance at home. When possible have a child help you count out money when you are paying for things.
5. Make flash cards to help with spelling. By making spelling a game children are more likely to want to practice their spelling words. To help a child succeed in first grade make lessons fun if possible.
6. Have them write short letters to grandparents, and other relatives. Children in first grade are building on any writing skills they learned in kindergarten. Having them practice by writing a letter to grandpa and grandma will help your child develop better writing skills and brighten their grandparent's day.
7. Praise your child for a good effort. First graders are eager to please. Giving them positive reinforcement for a good effort is better them scolding them for poor grades.

Tips & Warnings

• If your child is having trouble with their lessons make sure their vision and hearing is not a problem.