Grade 1

Mrs Sanborn
Mrs Dwyer

The first grade curriculum offers experiences that are age appropriate, hands-on, open-ended, theme-based, and flexible in expectations. The curriculum also includes a variety of teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and to offer choices within a structured environment. An important facet of this curriculum is to help children develop a sense of responsibility, independence, self-confidence, and a love for learning.

Reading

Grade one uses two different reading programs. They are both first grade programs, but use a different approach to teach reading. A combination of approaches is commonly used to accommodate a variety of learning styles. Reading Mastery is a phonetic program with a heavy emphasis on individual letter sounds, letter cues, and blending. The D.C. Heath program is a whole language approach, with the greatest emphasis placed on learning the whole words by sight. Modern Curriculum Press Phonics is used to supplement the D.C. Heath program. Also available in grade one is the Reading Recovery Program taught by the Reading Teacher. This is an individualized program, based on greatest need.

Language Arts Children will begin the year by practicing letters and sounds, and then gradually progress to words, phrases and sentences. Children will be asked to write in journals, write stories, as well as compose other forms of writing with and without assigned topics. By the end of grade one, children should be writing sentences that include capitalization, punctuation and proper spacing.

Formal spelling will begin during the second quarter. Word lists will be sent home weekly to practice, and a test will be given on Friday of each week. By the end of the year, children will be expected to use and spell these words correctly in their writing, as well as using phonetic rules and strategies to spell other words. Some inventive spelling can still be used.

Handwriting First grade uses the Rinehart Handwriting System. Your child will learn to:

  1. Form all letters
  2. Form all numbers
  3. Use correct pencil grip
  4. Write within a space on lined paper

Mathematics Children use manipulatives to explore the materials and to learn a concept or skill for the first time. They then progress to more structured activities to build upon their existing skills. A combination of rote practice and hands-on activities are used so children can apply skills to the world around them. Over the course of the year, we cover patterning, estimation, graphing, basic facts (to 20), problem solving strategies (including open-ended questions), measurement, time, money and place value. Children will be expected to use and practice skills taught both in and outside of school.

Science In science children will make predictions, carry out the activity, check predictions, and apply new knowledge based on the PALMS method. Some grade one topics include: life cycles, properties of matter, sound, oceans, and animal habitats.

Social Studies Students are exposed to topics through literature, discussion, and projects. Themes for grade one include Africa, Colonial American folktales, geography, and mapping skills.

Technology Each classroom has two IBM compatible computers available for use on a daily basis. A variety of software is made available for student use on a rotating basis, to reinforce and practice learned skills. Students in grade one also go to the computer lab one day each week.

Homework Each Monday, a homework assignment sheet will be sent home with each child. The homework is fun, age appropriate, and offers choices. Each child should be helped to choose something from each of the four days to complete. On Friday, children will be expected to bring it in with work that he/she has completed and a signature by the parent. Children will be expected to do other homework, which includes:

Doing homework at this level will prepare children for future grade levels, when the work load is heavier, and it gives your child a sense of responsibility and accomplishment.

Student Progress If you have any questions or concerns about your child's progress or other issues that may arise during our school day, please contact your child's teacher immediately—don't wait until conference time. Parents play an important role in their child's education. Take some time to discuss the school day with your child. Develop a sense of responsibility in your child by asking him/her to perform a simple household chore and encouraging them to stick to a consistent routine. Most importantly – READ TO YOUR CHILD.