First Grade – Where You’ll
Watch Your Child Grow
Congratulations! You are the parents of a first- grader here at St. Mark‘s School! You will be
amazed at just how much your child will grow this year. Most likely, your child has the seeds of
reading and writing already planted, and during first grade, these seeds will grow and blossom,
making your child an accomplished reader and writer! You will see changes in your child‘s
thinking, as he/she becomes familiar with abstract concepts and symbols. The change will be
dramatic- just compare a seed with a full grown up flower!
That‘s the kind of growth you‘ll see this year!
The most lovely flowers have the best gardener—and that‘s you! Staying involved in
your child‘s education is the key to a successful year. Engage your child in conversation about
his/her day, but know that children won‘t always give out much information.
Here are a few suggestions to aid communication:
Make time to hear about the day's activities; be sure your child knows you're actively
interested and listening carefully.
Ask questions that go beyond "yes" or "no" answers, to prompt more developed conversation.
Take advantage of time during car trips or standing in line at the supermarket to talk with your
child.
Provide activities that offer opportunities to improve communication skills, such as attending
or engaging in sporting events, talking about current events, and reading stories that are
slightly above your child's competency level.
This is one of the most incredible year your child will have in his/her school career!
Std. 1 is an exciting time as children embark upon new adventures in the world of learning.
This is a year of important transitions, as well as one in which new skills are acquired.
In this class, your child will learn how to read, understand what he/she reads, write short
answers to direct questions, add, subtract, and so much more. We hope to instill a love of
learning that will last throughout your child‘s years of schooling.