Preparing a child for school is an important stage that requires attention to many aspects. To make school learning enjoyable and successful, it’s helpful to develop certain skills in advance.
Essential Skills That Will Help a First Grader
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Knowledge of Self and Close Ones
A child should be able to state their full name, as well as the names of their parents and grandparents. This will help them feel confident in a new group. -
Understanding Time and Seasons
It’s important for the child to know the seasons, the names of the months, and the days of the week. They should be able to answer questions like “When do birds fly south?” or “When do we pick mushrooms?” This enhances their understanding of the world. -
Reading and Comprehension
The ability to read is key. Even if a child reads by syllables, it’s important for them to understand the meaning of simple texts. -
Counting and Math Operations
Being able to count up to twenty, both forwards and backwards, as well as to add and subtract within the first ten, are crucial math skills that will form the foundation for further learning. -
Generalization Skills
The ability to group objects by a common feature and explain the choice is an important cognitive skill. For example, if a child is shown pictures of a tram, a wheel, and an apple, they should identify the means of transport as a separate group. -
Excluding the Odd One Out
A child should be able to find the “odd one out” in a set of objects and explain why it doesn’t fit. For example, in the words “cheese, butter, plasticine, sausage,” plasticine is odd because it is not edible. -
Comparing Objects
Teach your child to find similarities and differences between objects. For example, both potatoes and carrots are vegetables, but they differ in shape and color. -
Storytelling
A child should be able to create coherent stories based on pictures. This develops their imagination and speech skills. -
Knowledge of Geometric Shapes
Your child should be able to recognize and name basic geometric shapes like a circle, triangle, square, etc., and draw them. -
Memory Skills
A child should be able to remember 5–7 words or 6 out of 12 pictures shown to them for a short time. This helps develop their memory. -
Knowledge of Colors
Identifying and knowing the basic colors helps a child navigate the world and enhances their observational skills. -
Drawing a Human Figure
A child should be able to draw a human figure, including the main body parts. This develops their fine motor skills and perception.
Conclusion
Although entrance testing is not conducted everywhere, developing these basic skills will help your child feel confident and adapt more easily to the school curriculum. This is a foundational level that will provide a solid base for successful learning.
