06/18/2012:
"Academic gains are dependent upon the curriculum that a school uses to
instruct our children. For example, at my school first graders will work
on addition and subtraction up to 20, they will do double digit addition
with regrouping and will learn the foundations for multiplication. The
administration aggressively pushes hours of homework and prides themselves
in accelerated students. Parents like 2/3/2012 can brag that their first
grader reads at a third grade level but it is really the expected FIRST
GRADE level at schools like mine. If a child is very intelligent then he
will thrive in an environment like this but if he is of average
intelligence or below average intelligence then he will struggle and be
set up for failure.
I'm a first grade teacher at this school and also the parent of two
children at this school. My children shed many tears over the high
academic demands that were placed on them during their early elementary
years but do well now that they are in junior high and high school. (same
school) I feel that we need to ease up a bit in early elementary to allow
students to develope the emotional maturity that is needed to handle a
strenuous academic load.
"
05/15/2012:
"The comment of 2/3/12 obviously comes from a parent of only one child. I
have a gamut of abilities in my 4 children so even though each was given
equal opportunities at home and school they all learn differently. Perhaps
you shouldn't be giving yourself such a big pat on the back. You were
probably just lucky. Plus, not all schools are the same.
"
02/3/2012:
"The comment on 8/23/2010 about too much homework is ridiculous. My first
grader was reading at a first grade level in Kindergarten. She was
speaking in full sentences before she turned one. All because we took the
time to teach her what she needs to know instead of relying on public
schools. Start your kids early and there would be less struggling once
they enter school. My first grader reads at almost a 3rd grade level
because we, as her parents, are her best teachers. My advice to you, spend
the summer getting your child caught up so second grade goes more
smoothly.
"
08/23/2010:
"I think it is absolutely ridiculous the curriculum they have set for the
first grade. This has made me so angry over the past year because my
husband and I would stay up with our son every single night doing at the
very LEAST three hours of homework. THIS IS NOT what I think is beneficial
for our children in this society. In first grade, children are not
developed enough to have all this information jammed down their throats
and then are expected to retain it? Are you kidding me? That is a joke. It
is wrong and I wish that I had gotten my degree in teaching instead of Web
Design/Development because I definitely would rather be there to assist
and help our children that are OUR future society get through this kind of
school work that is far beyond their means. It takes their childhood away
from them. IT is NOT something I support and I will not ever support it.
NO ONE person learns the same or at the same speed or level and this level
far exceeds what first grade is about. An!
d this list is NOT true. They left ALOT of it out. So please whomever put
this list up- let the parents know the truth and put what the real deal
is up there. This is not it. We had to retain our child because they do
not teach the basics long enough. You have to know the basics of learning
ANYTHING before you can go further on. And this I just am amazed at the
fact that it would be posted when they left so much out on what they teach
the children and how fast they have to learn it. We are failing our
children by supporting this way of teaching. It is against everything I
believe in."
08/16/2010:
"These are interesting tasks for the end of first grade. We were doing
most of these things in Kindergarten. It makes me wonder if he would get
bored in first grade. I hope it is a great year for him..."
08/2/2010:
"wow this really helped me out"
04/26/2010:
"Your child sounds very young to be in first grade compared with the
requirements of my school system. Perhaps keeping him back would truly be
best for him and allow him to catch up. Also, don't fear a 'Special Ed'
stigma -- and certainly don't convey one to your son. Each of my twins
needed additional help in separate areas -- which they got in PreK and K
levels. They have since 'graduated' out of Special Ed; it need not be
permanent. My son profited from additional help from a reading tutor this
year in first grade and is now where he should be. The important thing is
to help your son as soon as possible so that he can enjoy learning in
school as soon as possible."
10/20/2009:
"I have an 5 yr old son who is in 1st grade struggling very badly to keep
up. i feel as if the school is pushing for him to be put in special
education. I would not be against this if it were true, but my child
tries in every way to keep up. I do agree that he has some trouble with
his reading and math. I also am ashamed of myself as a mother for not
noticing that my child could not write(meaning hold a pencil) or recognize
his alphabets. He now ha these tools which i am thankful for butte road
ahead seems so hard for my son and myself. i dont want him labeled or
placed in a class fr schools budget. I just need help as to what programs
work amd where there is extra help."
09/29/2009:
"My child is learning vocabulary in first grade, words like: strategy,
solution, escape, fright, etc. Are these words first grade level for
vocabulary? They seem like maybe second or third grade. what is standard
vocabulary words for first grade?"
05/18/2009:
"This is a great article with good information on
where a child should be by the end of the school
year."
