Confusion with a pattern!

[princess]

So I needed a good getting started for Winter pattern, and I figured this would teach me increases and decreases, so I chose the Paton's Classic Wool Sock Monkey pattern. (It's free at Vogue Knitting if you sign up, or on a card in Michael's craft stores.)

My problem is that I was starting it last night, and I realized I was a little confused by the instructions.

It starts:
**With pair of double-pointed needles and A, cast on 6 sts.

1st rnd: Inc 1 st in each st to end of row. Divide sts onto 3 needles. Join in rnd. Place marker on first st.

What I'm trying to figure out is why you basically knit one row because joining the round. Can anyone help me?

Thanks!