Elementary School

Learn about elementary school

Elementary school is the place where a child’s journey towards lifelong learning begins. Not only are children instructed in essential reading, writing and arithmetic skills, they also socialize and interact with each other and their teachers – which is a crucial part of their social and psychological development.

The Structure of Elementary School

Your child’s elementary school education is usually preceded by preschool and will officially begin when your child goes to kindergarten. Most elementary school programs run from kindergarten through fifth grade or sixth grade. Then, students graduate to middle school for seventh and eighth grades before moving on to high school.

Over the years, your child will be exposed to elementary math, English, science, art, music and physical education. In each successive grade, the subject matter taught by the elementary teacher becomes increasingly complex, challenging your child to draw on deeper and more varied skill sets.

Teachers in elementary school are required to have highly specific qualifications. Typically, they must earn degrees in early childhood education, rather than general education degrees. While teachers can earn an elementary education degree online or in class, completing an extensive teaching practicum is a must.

Prepare Your Child for Elementary School

When your child reaches three to four years of age, most experts recommend that you enroll him or her in preschool. Though the academic content of preschool classes is usually very basic and limited, it does get your child used to structured environments.

At home, you can work on elementary art projects with your kids to encourage their creativity and help them improve their motor skills. If your child shows a particular interest in the world around him or her, you might also try making an elementary science project together. These activities prepare your kids for the type of assignments they’re going to encounter in school while keeping things light and fun.

Elementary school lays the foundation for everything your child will go on to do in middle school, high school and even college. The skills they learn, the friendships they make and the confidence they gain will go on to define their lives in significant ways. As a parent, being proactive about engaging your child in fun but educational activities will lay the groundwork for scholastic success.