Why Do Our First Graders Love Coming to School?

The answer isn’t found in textbooks or workbooks. It lies in the learning experiences our teachers create every day—experiences that transform first grade into much more than a time for acquiring knowledge. At Erudito Licėjus, it is a period of personal growth. Every lesson is a step towards a broader understanding of the world, and every student is the true owner of their own learning journey.

Everything begins in a world of ideas, where children’s thoughts become the foundation of learning. When students become explorers, even arithmetic turns into an adventure, while measurement lessons with rulers in hand become exciting challenges. We believe that for a first grader, play is the highest form of learning—one in which the mind, heart, and hands work together. This approach nurtures not only the courage to think but also the confidence to trust their own unique ideas.

Reading in first grade is not measured by speed but by a child’s relationship with the text. We strive to create harmony: reading is a safe and welcoming space where children gradually and confidently connect sounds into meaningful stories. Through shadow theatre, students overcome reading challenges with enthusiasm. Rhyming scripts make learning playful, while the desire to give their characters a voice helps children memorise texts naturally. Rather than feeling like an assignment, these rhyming dialogues become an engaging and enjoyable activity. As we develop communication skills, we encourage children to understand the meaning behind a text rather than simply decode symbols. Their first written stories emerge in much the same way. They become a bridge to each child’s inner world. By creating characters and giving them a voice, students learn to express their own ideas in writing, strengthening their confidence in their own voice.

Learning at Erudito Licėjus extends far beyond the classroom walls. Through visits to libraries, children become thoughtful users of information while developing openness towards new spaces, ideas, and culture. We also nurture a strong sense of community through acts of kindness. Whether creating greeting cards for care home residents or taking part in family reading activities, our students learn what brings people together.

Even complex topics such as community life and financial literacy are explored through hands-on experiences. Educational robots help children understand logic and direction, while collaborative creative projects, real-life examples, theatre, and movement through music develop teamwork, shared responsibility, and cooperation. These experiences also teach patience, fairness, and thoughtful decision-making.

After school holidays, students eagerly share their experiences through colourful digital presentations and photographs. During our daily Morning Circle, they not only set new learning goals but also practise gratitude towards their families, friends, and teachers. This ability to recognise their own emotions and celebrate both their own achievements and those of their classmates helps children feel safe, confident, and supported. Our first graders look forward to coming to school because their curiosity is welcomed, their courage is encouraged, and every day brings the joy of discovering, “I can do it, and I can create it myself.” This is how learner agency gradually begins to grow.

Prepared by Jurgita Steponaitienė, Primary School Teacher and Methodologist