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Entering the first grade marks the beginning of a period during which a child develops skills for learning and functioning in society. A child does not enter first grade as a tabula rasa. During the pre-school years he has acquired initial learning skills for self direction and social functioning. Now in first grade these skills should be promoted to allow the child the opportunity to continue to advance and develop. Children possess vast knowledge, and are curious and interested in everything. The educator's role is to assist the child to realize his abilities and talents and to develop learning skills. The role also includes teaching the pupil to utilize better his ability to express himself, and to nurture values of positive social - involvement and contribution to his environment. The first day of the first grade, and the entire summer vacation are bursting with anticipation and excitement for both the child and his family. Parents ask themselves questions such as "How will my child adjust and will he manage to express himself and his talents?".
However, when the child enters first grade with friends from kindergarten, and he is familiar with the teacher, most fears of the unknown are diminished.
There are 110 schools with a "hativa tze'ira" (a framework of children aged 5-8 within the school, similar to the British infant school), where the shift from kindergarten to first grade is much easier. The expectations of children in this framework are very clear: "To learn to read and write, to do arithmetic exercises, to be grown up, to help new kids in the 'hativa' and to play." Many children in the 'hativa tze'ira' enter first grade with partical reading and writing skills, and they hope to advance and "help the new kids".
Some advice from first grade graduates to their peers entering the first grade: "They should be curious and listen to the teacher, and participate in discussions". And some advice to the teachers, "they should prepare fun lessons, and not give too much homework". And the graduates also have something to say to their peers, "Hello first Grade!... and good luck!"
