Six and seven year old children enter first grade at various developmental levels. By the end of first grade they become more independent and responsible for their learning.

Reading

Research supports the notion that all children learn to read in different ways. Our Balanced Literacy program provides numerous and varied opportunities for all children. During Reading Workshop, students engage in  Shared Reading, Guided Reading, Partner Reading, and Independent Reading  while learning and applying Reading Strategies.

First Grade Readers  will engage in Units of Study that include Building Good Reading Habits, Learning about the World Through Non-Fiction, Meeting Characters and Learning Lessons.  Through these Units of Study, we will focus on fluency, phonics, and comprehension.  They will learn to ask questions, make connections with prior knowledge and previously read texts, and clarify comprehension.  Readers will become active in peer conferences and teacher conferences to emphasize students' independence and allow them to become successful readers inside and outside of the classroom.

Writing

The writing block includes both self-selected writing, in which students choose their topics, and focused writing, in which students learn how to write particular forms and on particular topics.

Emergent first grade writers begin by learning to effectively tell stories and share experiences through the self-confidence of our young writers.  Through the use of mentor texts, modeling, shared writing, and discussion, first grade writers will plan and write several of their own texts, including: Personal Narratives, Non-Fiction, Fiction, Reviews, and Poetry.  They will view writing as a way of communicating with their audience, and develop fluent, detailed writing, which includes using proper grammar and mechanics.  First grade writers learn to read through writing and to develop a love for writing.

Mathematics

First grade math focuses on number sense up to 120, gaining an understanding of the basic operations of addition and subtraction, measurement & data, geometry, and mathematical practices.  Students learn in a hands-on environment where manipulatives are utilized in order to learn how to build math problems concretely, pictorially, and abstractly.

First Grade Mathematicians will use real world experiences and make connections to every-day life to make learning more authentic.  They will learn to become independent problem solvers by using a variety of strategies to solve problems and communicate their mathematical thinking.

Science

Developmentally, first graders learn best when given the opportunity to explore, experiment, observe, and record (using pictures and words). Using these methods, the students learn about how to act like a scientist, force & motion, living & nonliving, soil, light and shadows.

First Grade Scientists will demonstrate grade-appropriate proficiency in planning and carrying out investigations.  They will utilize inquiry based learning as well as problem solving skills, as well as make predictions, ask questions, form plans, record results and draw conclusions.

Social Studies

Students will explore their relationships with families, friends, teachers, and neighbors.  Students will learn how to effectively communicate within the classroom, the school, and the world.  Our character education program, Second Step, provides students with skills in the areas of Skills for Learning, Empathy, Problem Solving and Emotional Management.

First Grade Community Members will investigate looking at ourselves and others through different lenses, including “myself,” “my place,” and “my world” within the context of our family and school.  They will learn about a variety of traditions and celebrations in the United States and around the world as they explore diverse cultures and areas.

Related Arts

First Graders  also participate in Library, Music, Art, Health, P.E.  and Design and Technology classes.  Technology is integrated in various curricular areas in the classroom and in the tech lab.