For 20 years now I have seen students whose school life is accompanied by many challenges that could have been avoided if they had started 1^st grade after the proper preparation. 12 years of challenges that could have been avoided if only we had looked the truth in the eyes and understood that the education system is demanding, and we must arrive at it prepared. There are so many factors that affect a child’s academic success: behavioral adaptation, orientation in space, renewed management of time and organization, health problems that we are not aware of, sensory regulation, fine and gross motor skills.The times of kindergarten have already passed, the child is required to show responsibility through a wide variety of functional, social, emotional, and behavioral management. A preparatory course for first grade is held in groups of up to five students. In the course, we work on many topics that will be detailed at the bottom of this page. As someone who came out of the education system and recognizes its advantages but also its many disadvantages, it is appropriate that a child reaches the first grade when he already knows how to read. In general, the studies in the education system are in many cases (not always but in many cases) irregular, that is, for a moment it seems that the child controls and understands the material and a second later – literally overnight, the level rises suddenly and to the extreme and the child finds himself frightened. My approach with every student, not only in the 1st grade preparation course, is: We strive for excellence, but with ease! You don’t emphasis the level of the class, you always think about how to progress, as long as it’s done with a reasonable investment, and without unnecessary pressure. I once had a student in the 6th grade who still didn’t know the translation of words like DOG AND HOME – using my learning strategies, I brought him to the point where he answered the matriculation exam with five units of distinction in English. When I suggested that he prepare for the matriculation exam, the parents asked, why? I asked – why not? If it is possible to move forward with fun, and with pleasure, and without effort that adds mental and emotional burden, why not? On the other hand, I do make sure to check the level of the class and make sure that my students are always a few steps ahead of the class. The feeling when you are sitting in class with frustration and a lack of concentration can be very tough. It can create emotional distress, feelings of inferiority, and discipline problems. All of this can be prevented with the understanding that since there is sometimes a rapid and extreme increase in the required learning level, it is important to be responsible and always a few steps ahead, as long as, it is done with pleasure. In preparation for first grade, we learn to read and write, without even feeling that we are learning. Through games, contests, raffles, quizzes. We have fun together, but also learn what my limits are and what the other person’s limits are, develop visual and auditory learning ability, orientation in space, and correcting habits. Pay attention:Since the entry of a child into first grade changes everything that happens at home, there are up to three meetings for the parents as well. Proper adaptation in advance to the changes that will be required in family conduct will help you enjoy the process.