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. Because of the students’ constant exposure to creative journal writing, they begin to develop the skills necessary to communicate properly in written form. Continued use of inventive spelling techniques learned in Kindergarten is encouraged along with the application of learned weekly spelling words. Proper writing mechanics are emphasized when appropriate throughout the year, and formal handwriting instruction encourages neat and legible writing projects.
Reading and Phonics
Emphasis is placed on the development of the student’s phonemic awareness, comprehension, oral fluency, decoding and cultural experiences. There is a bridge ensuring 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 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.
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 along with sight words featured frequently in 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.
Social Studies and Science
These two subjects are integrated through the experiences of the Passports Around The World curriculum. Students participate in an imaginary adventure of travel around the globe. A major focus of this program includes the development of map skills. 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 by way of a different mode of transportation, offers opportunities to explore various climates, animals, habitats, inventions and historical influences in the region.
The areas of academic learning are 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.
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