26. Elementary Schools in the U.S.

Most children in the U.S. begin school at 5, when they go to kindergarten. This is beginning of elementary or primary school. Most children in elementary schools till they are about 11 old. Elementary schools are divided by grades. The children begin in kindergarten at 5, and then to first grade, second grade and so on. elementary schools go up to fifth or sixth .

The focus of an elementary school is basic and socialization skills. Mostly children learn how to , write, count, add, subtract, multiply, and divide. Students learn the rules of English grammar, spelling and . Children also learn basic social studies or history, , art and music skills, and participate in gym physical education. In elementary schools children also learn to follow directions, share, and work in groups. usually stay in one classroom all day with teacher who stays with them throughout the year. may leave the classroom to visit the school , the school gym, and attend special science, art music classes. Students also usually leave the classroom lunch and recess. For lunch students sit at , separated by grade, in a large cafeteria. Recess usually a half hour when children go out a yard to play. The typical school day at about 8:00 in the morning and ends about 3:00 p.m. Students go to school from to Friday and have the weekends off.

Elementary teachers are licensed by the state where they . They have to graduate from college, or even school taking special classes in Early Childhood and Education. Before teachers can be in a classroom students, they have to pass a background check take an exam.