Israel New Issues July '97

hen a child enters the first grade, she begins a period in which she will develop skills for learning and functioning in society. She does not enter first grade, however, as a tabula rasa. During the preschool years she has already acquired initial learning skills for self-direction and social functioning. Now, in the first grade, these skills will be built upon so that she can continue to advance and develop.

The child possesses vast knowledge, and is curious and interested in everything. Her teacher helps her to realize her abilities and talents and to develop her learning skills. He also teaches her to better utilize her ability to express herself, and encourages her to value positive social involvement and contributing to her environment.

Before beginning first grade, both the child and her family may be bursting with anticipation and excitement, but they may also be anxious. Parents often ask themselves questions such as, "How will my child adjust? Will she manage to express herself and her talents?".However, when the child enters first grade with friends from kindergarten, and she 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!"