First grade: getting through the first weeks without tears (the child's or yours)

What's new this year

First-graders start under the new core curriculum introduced by a regulation of 11 March 2026 under the 'Compass for Tomorrow' reform, and use new textbooks — primary schools provide them. From 1 September primary schools also ban pupils from using phones during classes, with exceptions set out in the act and the school statute.

Grades in grades 1–3

In grades 1–3, mid-year and end-of-year classification grades — including behaviour — are descriptive. The school statute sets how ongoing marks are given: descriptions, symbols, points or stickers. Ask the class teacher how it works at your school, and explain to your child that a mark says what they have learned and what they'll keep working on.

After-school club and canteen

A primary school must provide after-school club activities (świetlica) for pupils who stay longer because of their parents' working hours (at the parents' request) or travel arrangements. The club is more than supervision — it should offer activities developing interests, movement and time for homework. If the school runs a canteen, meals are paid for, with conditions and prices set by the headteacher and the governing body.

• Apply for a place in the świetlica if you haven't yet — many schools do this in the first days.
• Agree who collects your child and when; schools require written authorisations.
• Ask about canteen rules and hours and whether meals can be subsidised.

Adjustment: what's normal

Tiredness, irritability after school, even a brief return to 'younger child' behaviour are common reactions to a big change in the first weeks. They usually pass once the child learns the daily rhythm, the teacher and classmates.

• A steady rhythm: bedtime, breakfast, leaving for school — predictability gives a sense of safety.
• Short, warm goodbyes at school; dragging them out usually makes parting harder.
• After school, time for movement and rest, not straight into extra activities.
• Ask specific questions: 'who did you play with?', 'what was the funniest thing?' instead of 'how was it?'.

When to talk to the class teacher

If after a few weeks your child still cries every day before school, complains of stomach aches, won't talk about the class, or the teacher reports difficulties, arrange a calm talk with the class teacher and, if needed, the school counsellor or psychologist. An early conversation is often enough to find a simple solution.