Thread: Russian for Young Children

Handwriting and reading is studied in the 1st grade (5-7 years).
30-50 words per minute is standard for reading in the 1st grade.

I see that one page looks more block-like. I did try to google more so I can get all the letters, but I don't get the same thing you do maybe. ha ha But, thank you for these. It will be a great start.

I think in the United States kids learn to read way before they learn to write. My daughter was reading before she started pre-k (4 years old). In the military towns, like Fort Hood, where I live, we have a Pre-Kindergarten class for our children. This makes it easier for both parents to work full days sooner if they want to. I read a lot to my children, so they knew to read before starting school, but reading simple words is taught usually in Pre-K to K grades. They then start to write single block letters, and their names. Handwriting comes a lot later here. (3rd grade). But, because of the computer revolution, a lot of schools are not even taking a lot of time with this anymore it seems. I remember when I was in school penmanship/handwriting was a subject that we got graded on. We had to write neatly and correctly or get a bad grade for it. For my children, it seems it is not a requirement to write in cursive neatly and that is is just an extra fun thing... like art. Only core subjects like Math, Geography, Science, and Reading/Language Arts get a letter grade, like A, B, C, D, F (F and D in the State Texas are failing, because another thing is that each state is different in their education requirements). Things like Art, Music, Physical Education, get marks like Excellent, Average, and Poor.

Originally Posted by MrsKlug

I think in the United States kids learn to read way before they learn to write. My daughter was reading before she started pre-k (4 years old).

My daughter is going to be 4 this month. She's in Montessori school (considered above average). They don't learn how to read yet but only alphabet.
Also according to the guidances which can be found on Internet reading age starts at 6 for most of the kids (when they can read on their own). So I guess by 5 they should be able to read with help
You words don't add up You obviously might have a gifted child but this is not usual situation

From what I remember minimal age for the first grade(первый класс) in Russia is 6 but only as exception, most of the kids are 7 years old (not sure about Belarus). They don't learn how to write words or even letters right away, they start with parts of letters and I think this goes for the whole year, so by age 8 they can start real writing. I think it is very close to American system timing.
What sucks in the US though is different programs in different schools. Some are better than others. Russia has unified programs for schools with minor differences, at least for now.


PS: My wife and I teach our daughter Russian language too, but most of the materials (including big letters made of wood) have been bought in Russia and sent over here
You can try to find local Russian book store (probably not easy in Texas) for the Russian books or just order on http://www.kniga.com (I believe it's located in Brooklyn, NY)