First Grade Curriculum
Language Arts
At the primary level, language arts are developed through a comprehensive program, encompassing the areas of reading, spelling, basic grammar and creative writing. RPDS first graders have an ongoing exposure to creative journal writing to foster the skills necessary to communicate properly in written form. Students are encouraged to continue to utilize the inventive spelling techniques learned in Kindergarten even as they are exposed to the study of assigned weekly spelling words. Proper writing mechanics are emphasized across the curriculum throughout the year. Formal handwriting instruction is continued with the Handwriting Without Tears program that began in the Early Learning Program, as students are strongly encouraged to create neat and legible writing projects. Basic computer keyboarding skills are also introduced at this level.
Reading and Phonics
Emphasis is placed on the development of the student’s phonemic awareness, comprehension, oral fluency, decoding and cultural experiences. There is an intentional bridge established that ensures a strong connection from Kindergarten’s study of letter-sound relationships to the first grade student’s ability to successfully decode, establish a strong sight word base and develop fluent oral reading skills. The children develop strong comprehension skills as they learn to make comparisons, classify ideas, and gain information and knowledge from what they have read. Class size allows for frequent small group instruction to ensure all reading levels are accommodated. Personal comprehension levels are evaluated periodically using the computerized Accelerated Reader program.
Spelling
The spelling program is an integral part of the total approach to the development of language skills. Weekly spelling lists are pulled from the basal reading series. Each list highlights a different phonics spelling pattern featured in the weekly story in addition to sight words that frequently appear in our stories. Students are encouraged to recognize the correct spelling of words and to write words correctly in their daily journals as their spelling vocabulary grows.
Mathematics
Mastery of basic math skills is a vital part of mathematics instruction. Students build on the awareness of numbers and their properties as well as the understanding of math functions that were introduced in Kindergarten. Children gain knowledge in the logical structure of mathematics as they gradually move away from the need for concrete assistance. A strong emphasis is also placed on the practical applications of math. Daily instruction includes a formal teacher directed mathematics lesson, as well as a hands on period in which math manipulatives are utilized and the students work in pairs or small groups for practice of skills.
Social Studies and Science
Instruction in Social Studies and Science is integrated throughout our experiences within the Passports Around the World curriculum. In this integrated study, students participate in an imaginary adventure of travel around the globe. Through our "travels," students experience global awareness, the development of map skills, and an understanding of variations in weather and ecosystems. In addition, students learn to appreciate different cultures, family and community life, economic and social needs, and group and individual relationships. Each visit to a new continent, utilizes a different mode of transportation, while it offers opportunities to explore various climates, animals, habitats, inventions and historical influences in the region. A weekly visit to a fully equipped science lab allows students the opportunity to further explore, create, experiment and manipulate elements relevant to each continent.
Classroom Learning Centers
Within the first grade classrooms academic learning is reinforced in learning center activities. A learning center is an area of the classroom where individuals or small groups of children practice specific learning skills and/or create something related to our units of study.
Learn more about Riverside's Second Grade Program »»
