First Day of First Grade
Author
Michelle Griczika
Published:
Oct 2024
Key takeaways
- • Students in 1st grade are expected to be independent, responsible, and emotionally capable.
- • Having chores at home can prepare children for the academic and emotional rigor of 1st grade.
- • If the first-day drop-off is causing you or your child stress, prepare by practicing quick goodbyes, talking about what to expect, and bringing a comfort object from home.
There are only two months between kindergarten and 1st grade, but the expectations of the two can seem worlds apart. While kindergarten is often accepting of students at every level, 1st graders are expected to be more independent, more emotionally capable, and more responsible than ever before.
So, it’s no wonder that parents and kids often stress out about the first day of 1st grade.
Let’s talk about what you can expect on the first day of 1st grade and how you can prepare yourself and your child for what comes next.
What to Expect on the First Day of First Grade
Every classroom is different, so there are many ways the first day of 1st grade can go.
However, simply preparing students to face the unknown with excitement can relieve them of their first-day jitters and motivate them to go to school feeling ready to learn.
- Be excited! Your excitement will rub off on your child, leaving little room for anxiety.
Usually, the day begins with the teacher introducing themselves and any classroom helpers they may have. The students may be asked to introduce themselves as well. This may be done through a simple “My name is…” introduction in front of the class, or through a more creative project designed by the teacher.
- Prepare a quick and fun way for your child to introduce themselves on the first day!
Before any content can be taught, the teacher will also likely give students their seating arrangements and cubby assignments. This gives students the chance to unpack their school supplies and decorate their special spots.
The rest of the day will likely be spent teaching students about the classroom rules and routines, assigning classroom chores, giving the students a tour of the school, or other introductory activities.
Students should not expect to learn real content on the first day.
If your child comes home with a syllabus or schedule, hang it up somewhere you will both see it every day. This will help blend home life with school, and also make sure you and your child don’t forget any important dates!
How to Prepare Your Child Emotionally and Practically
Remember, teachers aren’t babysitters. A teacher can teach your child to read and count, but they can’t teach your child to be emotionally intelligent and responsible. That’s your job!
In 1st grade, students must be able to confidently and independently do solo work, use the bathroom without assistance, and follow rules without complaint. To prepare your child for 1st grade, give them tasks to complete on their own.
If you help them with any tasks, gradually offer less and less support until they can do it themselves.
- Improve your child’s independence by teaching them to complete daily tasks on their own.
Doing chores is the best way a child can prepare for the first day of 1st grade.
Children in 1st grade are old enough to wash their own dishes, make their bed, dress themselves in the morning, clean their room, and much more. The more you do for your child, the less competent they will be at doing things themself—and independence is a key skill needed for 1st grade.
Additionally, 1st graders must be able to play with other children. You can teach patience and rule following through board games or card games. Children can learn to collaborate with other children by playing at the park. And teamwork can be taught through sports teams or after-school programs.
Morning Routines and Drop-Off Tips
No matter how independent and well-mannered your child is, morning routines and drop-offs can always be a challenge. Let’s talk about how you can make the morning of the first day of 1st grade come and go problem-free.
Getting your child ready in the morning
Along with teaching your child to complete household chores when asked, your child should also maintain a productive morning routine.
Children will need to be able to get themselves up and out the door early in the morning for the rest of their lives, so developing the right habits early on can set them up for a lifetime of good mornings.
And, to make your own life easier, teach them to get ready in the morning without your help.
The more independent they are in the mornings, the easier it will be to get them to school on time. And on the first day of 1st grade, you definitely don’t want to be late!
Having an easy drop-off
Children often deal with separation anxiety, meaning dropping a child off at school, especially on the first day, can lead to tantrums and crying.
To prevent this, practice goodbyes with your child on the days leading up to 1st grade. Creating a goodbye routine can make school drop-offs easy. And remember to keep it brief!
The best goodbye is a quick hug, kiss, and wave. Children may be upset when their parent or guardian walks away, but once they start classroom activities, they’ll forget you were ever there.
- Practice saying simple goodbyes beforehand.
Another cause of difficult drop-offs is simply the discomfort of being in a new place. So, familiarize your child with the school. Take them to the school building before the first day and tell them as much as you can about it.
Help them picture what the first day will be like before it happens to make drop-offs more comfortable.
- Talk through first-day drop-off expectations beforehand to make your child more comfortable.
For children with especially bad separation anxiety, allowing them to bring a comfort item from home can make drop-offs much more pleasant. Something like a stuffed animal, a small toy, or mom’s t-shirt can make all the difference.
- Let your child bring a comfort item from home if it will help them stay positive at school.
Table of contents
Supporting Learning from Day One
Children look to adults for everything. At school, they learn from their teacher’s example. At home, they learn from you. That’s why it is important to reinforce good habits at home from day one.
1st grade may be the first time students come home with homework. Doing schoolwork at home can be a big change for children, but doing it together with their parent or guardian each day can reinforce good homework habits.
When not doing homework, you can improve your child’s reading skills by practicing phonics together, reading signs or labels out loud, and having a bedtime reading routine.
Improving their math skills is often as easy as counting with them or using an online math app.
In other words, be involved in your child’s academics and make it fun! Inspire them to learn now, and they’ll want to learn for the rest of their life.
FAQs about 1st grade math help
Check with their teacher! Students are often required to bring notebooks, #2 pencils, loose-leaf, post-its, and folders. Students may also want to bring comfort items from home, such as a stuffed animal or a small toy.
Prepare your child for school by telling them what they can expect and making them feel excited about the first day. Stay positive, even if you’re feeling nervous yourself!
Some students adjust slowly, but that’s natural. Offer them support where needed, and talk to their teacher if problems persist after the first month.
