Click on an area and find out what your child should know by grade level.
Observe a group of kindergartners for a while and you'll notice there is some seriously fun playing and learning going on all the time. It's fun because they're kindergartners. It's serious because everything a kindergartner does- whether it's to sit down with a picture book, play imaginative games with friends, build and knock down block buildings, or recite "The ABC Song" - lays the groundwork for more formal learning. Keep in mind that for kids this age, "play is work" - there's no need (or any way) to separate the two.
First-graders take being first literally - they can't wait to know how things work (and they act as if they're being let in on a secret when they find the answer). They're learning the beginning conventions of reading, writing, and arithmetic and are taking a greater responsibility to teach themselves and learn from their peers. First-graders thrive on routines; enjoy solving codes, puzzles and other problems. This is the time to introduce them to all sorts of learning games - especially those that involve other children or siblings.
Have you ever noticed that second-graders can be pretty serious? They're generally a hard-working bunch and often come across as perfectionists who are very particular about getting things done "the right way" (many don't like to make mistakes or take risks). At the same time, they are good at following directions and listening, and they like to impress people with facts they've memorized. They are intensely interested in how things work from the inside out, so it's a great year to have children work on personal projects that challenge them at their own pace.
Third-graders are full of enthusiasm and curiosity, which is a wonderful combination for learning. These eight- and nine-year-olds are in the process of learning many new things and may often feel overwhelmed. They love to share what they know and they're beginning to develop individual interests that they want to explore further. In general, third-graders are still very interested in school and in pleasing their teachers and other adults, and they respond well to rewards and recognition. Kids this age also look increasingly to their peers for support and acceptance.
Fourth-graders are generally independent and self-assured. They tend to ask fewer questions than younger children because they have developed the skills needed to find the answers for themselves, whether through books, their peers, or other reference materials (including the Internet). Their self-confidence will serve them well since fourth grade is a year of added responsibilities and academic pressures- it's time to "get down to business." There is more emphasis on testing, homework, and independent projects. Now is the time for students to develop organizational skills - skills they will use throughout their lives.
Fifth grade students are beginning to take more responsibility for their own learning, and the beginning of the year can prove to be a challenging period of adjustment as teachers expect children this age to do more long-term projects and larger amounts of homework. However, fifth grade students generally enjoy school. They are quite social and having friends is very important (making peer pressure a big issue). It's a great year to give children more responsibility for their own work and to encourage them to act independently within set limits.
Sixth-graders are quickly developing into young adults. Of course, with this growth spurt comes growing pains, often resulting in a need for greater independence and personal space - both physical and emotional. Often, relationships with peers assume primary importance in sixth-graders' lives, and school and teachers are no longer seen as "cool." While it may seem as if they are moving away from their parents, teachers and other adults, sixth-graders actually depend upon the stability of those relationships to steady them during this often-tumultuous period.
What Your Child Should Know, is a special feature provided by SmarterKids.com, a sponsor of the Parents page on Encarta.com.