Reasonable Expectations for First-Grader

I'm concerned that my first-grader is lazy. She skips over the challenges and comes home with unfinished work because she says it's too much to do. Her teachers say she is working on grade level but needs some improvement.
I got her an educational toy for her birthday. But when I saw how she skips over the challenges and goes right back to the basic stuff that she already knows, I got upset and returned it. She never wants to do harder stuff, yet she comes home with A's and B's on her class work.
Am I expecting too much too soon? I only want her to keep up. - Working Mom
Answer: You definitely need to replace the adjective "lazy" in describing your daughter. Remember, you are talking about a first-grader who wants to feel good about what she is doing. Many people, regardless of their age, enjoy repeating activities that they know they can do. No one wants to be constantly challenged.
Presents are meant to be enjoyed by the recipient. You really overreacted in returning it. Your daughter was using the toy in a way that was comfortable for her and at the same time reinforcing the things that she already knows. This obviously is important to her. Perhaps she would have gone on to investigate the more challenging aspects of the toy when she was ready.
Of course, your daughter needs to learn to tackle challenging tasks. Help her by being supportive. Remind her of how she has been successful with similar tasks. Teach her strategies for breaking down tasks into easier segments. And be generous in praising her successes. After all, she is doing well in school.
Your daughter is very lucky to have a working mother who is so interested in wanting her to do well academically, but you might be expecting too much. Be careful not to take the joy of learning away from her. Enjoy your child. Read books together, play games, and take her on interesting adventures. Make learning so much fun that she wants to learn more.
Have a meeting with your child's teachers so you clearly understand what "needs some improvement" means. Be sure to ask them for suggestions on how your daughter can improve in these areas this summer. And do pay close attention to all the things the teachers feel your child does well.