First Grade
LANGUAGE ARTS
The First Grade language arts curriculum is a comprehensive and integrated program. Reading is taught using a variety of approaches throughout the day. Individual, partner and silent reading occurs daily. There is whole-group and small-group instruction in phonics.
As with reading, writing is taught as a process, integrating the language skills of spelling, grammar and vocabulary. Process writing includes peer conferencing, teacher conferencing, editing and the classroom publication of illustrated, handwritten and word-processed books.
MATHEMATICS
The First Grade math program is part of the continuing spiral of mathematics learning. The curriculum emphasizes basic addition and subtraction facts, place value to the hundreds, two-digit addition and subtraction, non-standard and standard measurement, time, money and spatial problem solving. Manipulatives and games continue to be used to help children learn basic concepts and math facts. Data is collected and organized for use in bar, line and picture graphs.
SOCIAL STUDIES
The social studies curriculum helps children begin to see themselves relative to the larger community. Beginning with their own families, children are exposed to a wider examination of the world. The studies of Washington, D.C. and Mexico are examples of our theme-based approach which integrates reading, writing, math and the study of maps and research skills.
