During the first- to third-grade period, students learn to overcome their emotions and control their reactions to things. Many students will cry a lot during this period, but they will increasingly be able to handle disappointment and failure without a dramatic reaction. Students may also become particularly upset when their good or bad behavior goes unnoticed, which shows the way in which their emotional state is linked to external gratification and acknowledgment.
As students go through the first three grades of elementary school, they begin to develop social groups and circles of friends. In addition, students may start paying attention to the opposite sex. At this age, students begin to acknowledge the feelings of others, and they become aware that their actions can influence others' feelings. Students at this age, although they may seem to be emotionally maturing, tend to take criticism from others poorly.
In general, children are not ready to learn in the first years of their elementary education. This is not because their cognitive abilities are not up to speed; it is because they have not developed enough emotional and behavioral control to start learning. Students with poor or worrisome behavior will often act with aggression, disruptiveness, anxiety and social withdrawal. The students who do well academically typically relate to their peers and have good social interactions, which helps them follow the rules and participate in lesson plans.
A study by Raver and Zigler in 1997 showed links between emotional control and academic success. The study found that students who can follow directions, behave in an orderly fashion, take responsibility for their actions and get along well with others are much more likely to do well in their academics. Students who act antisocial have a harder time adapting to the school environment, leading to problems learning. Raver and Zigler reasoned that students who can control their own emotions probably have more accountability and control over themselves, which helps them focus on lesson plans and curriculum.