In first grade your child will become more independent and learn how to adapt to the school's routine. Donna Adkins our teacher consultant, explains: "First grade is probably the most critical period in your child's education. It is a pivotal grade in which the foundation for the rest of the primary grades is set. It is also a major transition from kindergarten."

Building Reading and Writing Skills
Most critical in first grade is the development of reading and writing skills. Your child will move from pre-reading skills to building crucial language skills in reading, spelling and writing. At home you can read stories aloud to your child often and ask questions such as "Who are the characters in the story?" "Where does the story take place?" "What happens in the beginning, middle and end of the story?"

Building Math Skills
In math your child will learn addition and subtraction facts, and how to tell time. She will count coins, and identify patterns in numbers and objects. To practice these skills at home, have your child find repeating patterns around them such as in the clothes they are wearing.

Becoming a "Big Kid"
If your child attended a half-day kindergarten, first grade will mean attending school for a longer day. Talk to your child about "big kid" issues like packing a healthy lunch and how to treat fellow students on the playground.

In first grade your child will learn to take responsibility and reinforce learning through homework. You'll want to prepare a quiet place and set aside time for your child to do homework everyday.

You can use the summer before first grade to teach your child responsibility for some simple chores. Donna Adkins explains "One responsibility fits all does not work for all children. Many children are more or less mature than other children their age. You know your child best. Choose a simple chore that that they can do without feeling overwhelmed. Start small and build. To raise a responsible child, it must be cultivated early and continually."

Children pass through a range of social, academic and developmental stages at their own pace. Below are rough guidelines for where your child should be at the end of kindergarten and what to look forward to in the year ahead.