In language arts we learn to love reading and writing. Using a variety of reading experiences (shared reading, guided reading, and independent reading), students learn to problem-solve text independently. We focus on concepts of print, phonological awareness, fluency, and vocabulary development. Students learn to use the five step writing process when writing fiction and non-fiction stories. They learn to plan, draft, revise, edit, and publish their own stories. At the end of the year, students enjoy sharing these masterpieces with an audience!

The mathematics program, Everyday Mathematics, offers children a broad background in mathematics. It highlights an instructional approach that revisits concepts regularly, and builds upon previously learned concepts and skills. Students are introduced to the concepts of time, money, fractions, geometry, measurement, and basic addition and subtraction. Be sure to read the Family Letter that is sent home at the end of each math unit! It gives an overview of the upcoming unit and some Do-Anytime Activities that you can do with your child at home for extra practice or enrichment.

Students learn about social studies through five main themes in first grade. In our FAMILY unit, they learn that all families are different, but are all bound together by love. They study the food pyramid and learn to make healthy eating choices in our FOOD unit. Students learn about two more human needs in our CLOTHING and SHELTER units. They will learn how some fabric and some shelters are made. The last social studies unit in first grade is AMERICAN SYMBOLS, in which students learn the importance of many American symbols, such as the Statue of Liberty and the White House.

The three science units are hand-on and interactive, allowing students the opportunity to explore and record data. In our WEATHER unit, students observe clouds, make flags to measure the wind, and create rain gauges to gather and measure precipitation. Students learn to use arm balances in our BALANCING AND WEIGHING unit. Our classroom become gardens as students learn about the life cycle of PLANTS and experiment with growing their own.

The First Grade uses The Great Body Shop Health Series and the Zaner-Bloser Handwriting Program.

Each night we have word family practice in our study book, as well as math Home Links. Reading for pleasure each evening is a special learning experience that children enjoy sharing with their families. Keep reading!

We look forward to a wonderful year filled with fun, explorations, learning, and growing.