What to Expect in First Grade

First grade is typically for children ages six to seven. This is when:

• Reading growth accelerates
• Math becomes more mental
• Friendships deepen
• Focus and stamina are expected
• Confidence can wobble

Kindergarten teaches children how to be people.
First grade teaches them how to be students.

How to Build Focus and Stamina in First Grade

First graders are expected to:

• Listen longer
• Work more independently
• “Get it” faster
• Handle less repetition

A helpful guideline:
Age × 2 = attention span in minutes

A 6 year old should be able to sustain attention for 12-14 minutes

A 7 year old should be able to sustain attention for 14 - 16 minutes

To build stamina at home:

• Use timers during homework time (2–10 minutes)
• Model focused behavior
• Break homework into small chunks
• Encourage productive struggle

Strong focus skills support reading, math, and emotional regulation.

First Grade Reading Skills and Expectations

First grade is one of the most important years for literacy development.

By the end of first grade, students should:

• Read simple books independently
• Understand phonics patterns
• Identify problem and solution
• Retell beginning, middle, and end
• Answer basic comprehension questions

Ask these Comprehension Questions:

• What was the problem?
• How was it solved?
• What might happen next?
• How does the character feel?

If reading struggles persist, this is the year to address them early.

Best Books for First Graders

Strong book choices build confidence and comprehension.

Early Readers

📖 Pinkalicious https://urlgeni.us/amzn/pinkalicious_book_set

📖 Books by Dr. Seuss (like Cat in the Hat or Green Eggs and Ham) https://urlgeni.us/amzn/dr_seuss_book_set

📖 National Geographic Kids early readers https://urlgeni.us/amzn/nat_geo_readers

📖 Nonfiction books by Gail Gibbons (example: Horses) https://urlgeni.us/amzn/gail_gibbons_books

Early Chapter Books (Read Together)

📖 Ivy and Bean series https://urlgeni.us/amzn/ivy_and_bean_book

📖 Junie B. Jones series https://urlgeni.us/amzn/junie_b_jones_book

First Grade Math Skills and Readiness

Before or during first grade, children should work toward:

• Addition and subtraction facts to 10
• Adding and subtracting to 20
• Counting past 100
• Comparing numbers
• Skip counting by 2s, 5s, and 10s

Mental math becomes critical.

Bring math into daily life:

• Grocery store counting
• Adding items in the cart
• Skip counting while playing

Strong math foundations in first grade prevent struggles later.

First Grade Social and Emotional Development

Friendships become more important — and more complicated.

You may notice:

• “Best friends”
• Hurt feelings
• Perfectionism
• Sensitivity to criticism

Support your child by:

• Role-playing social situations
• Encouraging inclusion
• Keeping communication open with teachers
• Reinforcing kindness and resilience

Final Thoughts on First Grade Readiness

First grade is magical — but it is also demanding.

With strong reading habits, math practice, emotional support, and consistent encouragement, your child can thrive in this important transition year.