Below are typical benchmarks most commonly associated with first graders.  Benchmarks refer to characteristics of a child at different stages in his/her development.

Socially and emotionally, first graders

-love to be first

-are most concerned with themselves

-are competitive

-do not like to lose....anything!

-are loud, especially when upset

-do not always think before they respond

Physically, first graders

-grow and lose teeth

-can't sit still                                    

-speak quickly-move quickly

-try new things

-tire quickly

Cognitively, first graders

-want to learn everything at once

-are hands-on learners

-ask lots of questions

-learn cooperation

-play games

-form ideas

-discover new things every day

Thompson, Ellen A. A Treasure Chest of Teaching Wisdom:I Teach First Grade! New Hampshire: Crystal Springs, 2001.