*The transformation from September to June in first grade is amazing!

*At the beginning of the year the typical first grader:
-has not been in an academic setting for more than two and a half hours.
 -needs six weeks to develop stamina, routines, and a concept of what a full day of school is like.
-is learning how to be a student.

*At the mid year point the typical first grader 
 -is beginning to bloom as a reader and writer. 
- is learning to select appropriate strategies to solve math problems.  
- is working on inquiry skills for science. 
- is developing concepts of being a "good citizen".  
- is beginning to work more independently.

*At the end of the year the typical first grader: 
- is reading basic directions for independent work.  
- is able to sustain reading independently for 10-15 minutes. 
- is working cooperatively in groups with minimal teacher direction.  
- is able to solve many mathematical problems. 
- is writing simple paragraphs.