*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.