According to Tatyana Alexandrova, associate professor at the Department of Age Psychology and Family Education of Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, for first-graders, the ability to adapt to school, cope with difficulties, and maintain interest in learning is more significant than academic performance.
The expert advises parents to support their children's curiosity, react calmly to mistakes, and avoid comparing them with other children.
The transition from kindergarten to school represents a serious change in a child's life. For the first time, children enter a system of structured learning where they need to follow rules, obey instructions, and organize their behavior independently. Furthermore, their social status changes—from preschooler to student, who must get used to a new group, teacher, environment, and daily routine.
According to Alexandrova, the novelty of the situation itself can be a source of anxiety. Therefore, parents are advised to foster a positive attitude towards school in their child, presenting education as a new and interesting stage, rather than a difficult task.
The psychologist also insists that adults should pay attention to their own emotional state. Since parental anxiety can be transmitted to children, it is advisable to avoid amplifying fears by focusing on school difficulties. Instead, parents can explain the new opportunities awaiting their child and emphasize their readiness to provide support.
Alexandrova strongly urges parents not to make academic results the main goal of the first school year. She believes that it is much more important for children to gradually get used to the new environment, learn to interact with classmates and teachers, overcome difficulties, and not be afraid to make mistakes.
At the same time, specialists recommend that parents closely monitor the condition of the first-grader. Sleep disturbances, irritability, increased capriciousness, and constant complaints of fatigue may indicate excessive workload. In such cases, the expert advises allowing the child to rest, move around, or play instead of demanding extra effort.
Tatyana Alexandrova also emphasized the importance of play. Even after the start of the school process, play remains an important part of a child's development, helping to develop self-regulation, communication skills, and imagination. Activities such as drawing, modeling, construction, dancing, and music also contribute to developing skills necessary for studying.
In the specialist's opinion, home should remain a safe place where a child can make mistakes without fear of punishment or judgment. Parents should also refrain from comparing their child with others. Alexandrova herself advises first-graders not to be afraid of mistakes, to ask questions, make friends, and believe in their abilities.