Conversation cards on the way to first grade
Questions for talking with children about school, about what they are curious about and what worries them. Each tap reveals one question.
Open the conversation cardsThe parents’ hub of Geulim School
Starting first grade? Let’s begin together.
The move from kindergarten to school is a big step, for children and for parents too. Alongside the excitement and anticipation come questions about new friends, independence, learning, confidence and settling in.
We have gathered here guides, games, ideas and tools to help you and your children get ready for first grade, at your own pace.
Welcome to the parents’ hub of Geulim School named after Yitzhak Navon, in the Baka neighbourhood of Jerusalem.
Getting ready for first grade
What really matters before first grade?
There is no need to arrive at first grade already knowing everything. Starting school is a process of growing, learning and settling in.
You can help children arrive with more confidence through conversations, games and small everyday experiences.
A guide for parents
Is my child ready for first grade?
First grade readiness is about far more than knowing letters and numbers. On independence, social skills, asking for help and coping with change.
Read the guide A practical listTen small things you can do before first grade
Preparing for first grade does not have to involve worksheets and hours of drilling. Ten simple actions that build independence and confidence.
Read the guide Talking with childrenHow do you talk with children about starting first grade?
Some children wait for first grade with great excitement, and some are apprehensive about the change. Questions you can ask, and what helps.
Read the guide Choosing a schoolHow do you choose an elementary school?
Beyond location and school hours, it is worth thinking about the educational approach, social life and the people who will accompany the children.
Read the guide Registration and placementRegistering for first grade in Jerusalem
Registration goes through the municipality, not through the school. Dates, how to register online, how placement is decided and how to appeal.
Read the guideLearning through play
Games on the way to first grade
Not all learning has to look like a lesson. Games can help children practise memory, language, thinking, listening, cooperation and everyday skills.
The Geulim memory game
Pairs of objects from school, to match on screen or to print with a matching back in the Geulim design language.
Go to the memory gameFive small things to do before first grade
A family list to tick off, at your own pace. It is not a readiness test or a diagnostic tool, just ideas for doing things together.
Go to the activity listFirst grade at Geulim
And what does the beginning look like at Geulim?
At Geulim School named after Yitzhak Navon we believe that school is far more than the place where you learn to read, write and count.
It is a place where children form relationships, discover their strengths, ask questions, try things out, learn together and begin to take an active part in a community.
From the very first steps at school, it matters to us that children feel they have a place, a voice and room to grow.
Learning and discovering
At Geulim, learning happens in a range of spaces and in different ways. Alongside learning in the classroom there are hands on experiences, creative activities, learning through doing and encounters with the surroundings.
Making friends and finding a place
Starting school also means getting to know new children and adults, building relationships and discovering your own place within a group.
Growing within a community
Geulim sits in the heart of the Baka neighbourhood in Jerusalem. The connection to the neighbourhood and to the parent community is part of life at the school. The Geuli community works to foster connections, gatherings and shared initiatives.
Frequently asked questions
Questions parents ask before first grade
Does a child need to know how to read before first grade?
There is no need to expect children to read independently before starting first grade. Learning to read is a central part of what happens at school. You can encourage a love of books, listening to stories, language games and a natural familiarity with letters and sounds, without pressure.
Is it worth practising writing before first grade?
You can encourage drawing, cutting, playing with dough, building and other activities that develop motor skills. There is no need to turn this period into a race towards perfect handwriting.
What do you do if a child is apprehensive about starting school?
It is worth listening to their worries, asking questions, giving age appropriate information and allowing a gradual familiarity with the change. If the worries are significant or persistent, the educational team and appropriate professionals can help.
How can you help a child become more independent?
Through small opportunities to try: getting ready in the morning, looking after belongings, choosing clothes, packing a bag and asking for help when needed. It is best to match these to each child’s abilities.
How do you choose an elementary school in Jerusalem?
It is worth looking at the educational approach, the social climate, the school staff, the ways children learn, the relationship with parents and the distance from home. It is also recommended to check the current registration zones and procedures of the Jerusalem Municipality.
Can you visit Geulim School before registering?
To arrange a visit or receive more information you can leave your details on the enquiry form on our website, and we will get back to you.
Come and meet us
A new chapter is beginning. Come and get to know Geulim.
Geulim named after Yitzhak Navon is a state school in the Baka neighbourhood of Jerusalem, bringing together learning, creativity, leadership and community.
We invite families from Baka, Arnona and the surrounding area to get to know the school, the educational work and the community growing around it.