The First Six Weeks of School—Grades 1 to 3
Put your hand up if your family could use some school readiness tips!
The beginning of the school year is exciting yet challenging for young children. As they transition from the relaxed days of summer to the structured classroom environment, it’s natural for them to encounter a few bumps along the way. Parents and educators can play a crucial role in helping children get off to a good start.
Here’s what to watch for and some school readiness tips for your child during the first six weeks of school.
Common Challenges for Young Learners
Young children often face difficulties in several areas as they adjust to school:
- Concentration and Attention: It’s common for young students to struggle with concentrating and paying attention during the first few weeks. The new classroom environment can be overwhelming with its many rules and routines.
- Learning Basics: Mastering foundational skills like reading, writing, and math may take time. Some children may struggle to grasp these concepts initially, leading to frustration.
- Organization: Organizing school materials and keeping track of assignments can be a significant hurdle. Young children may need help understanding the importance of staying organized.
School Readiness Tips for the First Three Weeks
The first three weeks are critical for setting the tone for the rest of the school year. Here’s how parents can help their children adjust.
Reduce Social Media Time
Learning to pay attention to a teacher in the classroom can be challenging, especially so in the world of social media. Research shows that attention spans are greatly reduced, even for young students. Encourage screen-free activities like reading or crafts, especially during school hours, when students are discouraged from having access to screens.
Introduce Basic Planning Skills
The primary grades focus on teaching fundamental academic skills, such as reading, writing, and math. While formal planning might not be necessary at this stage, it’s a great time to introduce your child to the concept. Give them a planner and encourage them to write down their activities, like soccer games or birthday parties. This low-pressure introduction to planning will build a foundation for future organizational skills.
Focus on Basic Academic Skills
The primary grades are a critical time for learning foundational reading, writing, and math skills. By the end of Grade 3, students should read fluently, write with minimal spelling mistakes, and grasp basic math concepts. Supporting your child in these areas from the start can make a big difference in their academic success.
Check out this guide on everything you need to know about back-to-school.
School Readiness Tips for the Second Three Weeks
As the initial excitement of the new school year wears off, the next three weeks are crucial for reinforcing good habits and skills:
Enhance Concentration and Listening
Continue to build your child’s concentration by playing games like Parcheesi and Concentration. These games require focus and strategy, helping your child to develop the mental discipline needed for the classroom.
Engage in Reading and Wordplay
Reading should be an interactive and enjoyable experience. Break words into syllables, play listening games, and practice sounding out words together. Don’t just read stories—discuss them, ask questions, and let your imagination run wild. Who did what? Why? What could have happened differently? Make reading a fun and engaging activity that your child looks forward to every evening.
Reinforce Planning and Time Management
As teachers begin assigning reading, projects, or homework, encourage your child to enter these tasks into their planner. By making this a routine, you’re helping them build time management skills that will become invaluable as they progress through school.
School Readiness for the First Six Weeks
The first six weeks of school are a formative period for young children. By being proactive and supportive, parents can help their children overcome initial challenges and set them on a path to success.
Remember, learning should be fun and engaging—so play games, be silly, and most importantly, enjoy the process together. By fostering these skills early on, you’re setting your child up for a lifetime of academic achievement and personal growth.
Need More Back-to-School Strategies?
By applying these school readiness strategies, your child will be better prepared to embrace the new school year with confidence and enthusiasm.
Remember that every child is unique, so tailor these strategies to fit their specific needs and preferences. If you need further support for back-to-school, our experts at Oxford Learning are here to assist you!
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