Elementary education, also known as primary education, is the first six years of established and structured education that occurs from the ages of approximate five or six years old to approximately 12 years old. Most countries require that children receive elementary education and in many, it is acceptable for the parents to provide that education, based on an approved curriculum.
Normally, elementary education is given in schools that are placed within the neighborhoods of communities around the world. Elementary students usually begin in Kindergarten at the age of approximately five to six years old. This is the first stage of elementary education and is primarily the place where students learn to interact with their peers, begin to read and write, learn their ABC’s, and other cognitive learning skills. Many teachers, parents, and professionals agree that Kindergarten sets the stage for the remaining school years, while others see Kindergarten as nothing more than “play time” for the students.
Elementary education continues through to Grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. The courses offered in elementary education are escalating with each grade level, where the students expound upon previous learning from the grade before in their next grade level.
Elementary education grades are usually taught to the students by one teacher who teaches all the courses. There may be specialized teachers for more specific courses such as music, physical education, art, or computers. The students generally stay in one classroom, with the exception of physical education and other specific courses. This feature is one of the foundations of elementary education, teaching the student to gain close bonds with their teachers, earning a level of trust and respect, and creating close friendships with their classmates, which teaches them about social structure.