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How to prepare children for first grade: Organization and basic skills


The transition to first grade is an exciting and significant step for children and parents, but it also requires physical, mental, and organizational adjustment so that the start feels as smooth as possible. One of the best ways to prepare is to teach children basic skills that will help them in their new school routine, especially when delivered in a light and enjoyable manner.


Here are some simple and practical tips to help you prepare your children for first grade and make the start of the new year a successful and relaxed experience:


1. How to get used to a more organized daily routine?


The transition from kindergarten to first grade brings with it new responsibilities – an emphasis on an organized routine.


Teaching personal responsibility (one step at a time):

Help your child make a habit of the small things that will make them more independent:

Ask them to put their books and notebooks into the bag by themselves, even if it takes them longer than it takes you.

Preparing clothes for the next day can become a game: choose clothes together and place them on a chair or table in a designated spot.


Tips for creating a daily routine chart:

Prepare a colorful routine chart together with your child that includes:

Morning: brushing teeth, getting ready, breakfast.

Afternoon: half an hour of play, doing homework, and organizing the bag.

Evening: getting ready for bed and going to sleep at a set time.


Tip for upgrading the chart: incorporate stickers or colors so the child can mark what they have completed.


Making the routine pleasant and not stressful:

Remember to praise the child for every small success. It doesn't matter if the bag is not perfectly organized – what matters is that the effort is there and the process is positive.


2. Developing fine motor skills – the key to preparation for writing.


Before the child picks up a pencil and learns to write neat lines, it is advisable to strengthen and prepare the small muscles of the hand. This is the foundation for their writing skills.


Recommended activities for improving fine motor skills:

Coloring books: invite the child to draw and fill colorful pages (even just a few minutes a day).

Children's sewing threads: threading threads through a board with holes creates a playful and learning experience at the same time.

Beading games: ask the child to pick and sort beads by color and string them onto a thread to strengthen precision and grip.


Building games and tasks that require small grips:

Lego and blocks: matching blocks strengthens balance and hand-eye coordination.

Card games or small puzzles: a great way to teach order, visual discrimination, and motor skills.


3. How to help the child organize themselves in the morning?


One of the biggest challenges at the start of first grade is extending morning time and ensuring smooth organization. But with a little preparation in advance, mornings can become much more pleasant for everyone.


Creating a "morning hero" – a child who proudly organizes themselves:

Prepare a designated spot for every item the child will need in the morning: backpack, clothes, socks, and shoes.

Help them develop the habit of self-organization with the aid of a chart or a light morning game.


Games to simulate the morning routine:

Turn organization into "What do we do now?" games:

Print cards with pictures representing each morning step (teeth, clothing, food) and let the child arrange them in the order they need to focus on.

A small competitive game: "How quickly can you put your breakfast into the box?"


Creating a pleasant morning experience:

Help find calming music or a morning song to listen to while they are getting ready.

Let them choose how to structure their morning to feel in control ("Do you want to put on shoes first or drink water first?").


Preparing for first grade does not start on the first day of school – it is a process that builds confidence and habits gradually, allowing children to flourish. The path to success is patience, a positive attitude, and making the routine fun and empowering.





 


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Ilana Cahana 

Personalized Teaching | Parent Counseling and Guidance | ADHD | Integrative Coaching for Children and Teens | Lectures for Parents and Educational Staff

For contact and scheduling an appointment:  

Phone  0535453350  




 
 
 

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