By the end of first grade you can expect your child to:

 

1.       Work independently at their desk.

2.       Listen to longer sets of directions.

3.       Read directions off the board, although some children may still have difficulty with this.

4.       Complete homework and bring it back the next day.

5.       Speak some basic Spanish (numbers 1–10, colors, body parts).

6.       Sit in a chair for a longer period of time.

7.       Be able to see things from another person’s point of view so you can reason with them.

8.       Relate experiences in greater detail, and in a logical way.

9.       Problem-solve disagreements.

10.   Crave affection from parents and teachers.

11.   Have some minor difficulties with friendships, and working out problems with peers.

12.   Distinguish left from right.

13.   Be able to plan ahead.

14.   Write words with letter combination patterns, such as words with the silent 'e.'

15.   Read and write high-frequency words such as 'where' and 'every.'

16.   Write complete sentences with correct capitalization and punctuation.

17.   Read aloud first grade books with accuracy and understanding.

18.   Count change.

19.   Tell time to the hour and half-hour.

20.   Quickly answer addition and subtraction facts for sums up to 20.

21.   Complete two-digit addition and subtraction problems without regrouping.

22.   Know the Glory Be, Our Father, Hail Mary, angel of God, and grace before meals.