First Grade Teachers

Reading

Our first grade reading curriculum consists of the second grade level of the SRA Imagine It! Series. The six units are based on the central themes of Kindness, Let's Explore, Around the Town, Look Again, Courage, and America's People. Social studies and science concepts are interwoven into the themes of the units. Lessons consist of three parts: preparing to read, reading and responding, and language arts and spelling. During the phase of preparing to read, phonics, fluency, and word study are addressed. Vocabulary, comprehension, and inquiry are focused on the reading and responding phase, spelling, listening/speaking, and writing comprise the language arts component of the lesson. Students receive and are tested on a weekly spelling list from the reading lesson. The reading material consists of well-known children's literature, as well as decodable stories. Additional aspects of our reading curriculum are:

• Accelerated Reader Program (A.R.) - a computerized reading comprehension program
• SRA - individualized reading comprehension activities
• STAR test - a computerized assessment of each child's individual reading comprehension level

Math

First grade students use the Singapore Math curriculum. This "hands-on" math curriculum focuses on the use of manipulatives, mental math and student exploration. Students build a firm foundation of basic math skills and language by practicing concepts over an extended period of time to build mastery. The program's well-organized sequence enables students to clearly understand math relationships and basic skills.

• Number 1-100
• Number bonds
• Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division
• Shapes
• Length
• Weight
• Graphs
• Halves and Quarters
• Time
• Money

Language Arts

Language Arts is taught in First Grade utilizing Shurley English. Using this program, students are able to name the parts of speech through the recitation of jingles. They can identify the parts of speech in a sentence through an oral question and answer sentence flow. Students write complete sentences correctly with proper capitalization, punctuation, and meaning. Topics in first grade include:

• Parts of speech: Nouns, Verbs, Adverbs, Adjectives and Prepositions
• Sentences: Complete Subjects and Complete Predicates
• Capitalization and Punctuation
• Synonyms and Antonyms

Our writing program consists of daily writing. SRA Language Arts and Writing curriculum, Scholastic 1st Grade Writing curriculum, and 4-Square Writing are utilized. Various writing genres in first grade include:

• Journal Writing
• Personal Narratives
• Descriptive Writing
• Expository Writing
• Persuasive Writing
• Friendly Letter Writing
• Reading Responses
   

Handwriting

First graders practice proper handwriting techniques through the use of the Zaner-Bloser consumable textbooks and practice sheets.

• Proper letter and number formation
• Pencil grip

Social Studies

Our Social Studies curriculum consists of lessons integrated from our reading series SRA Imagine It!, seasonal themes, and character lessons using Creating Classrooms and Homes of Virtue. Monthly virtues and the "Manner of the Week" are emphasized school-wide. Current events are taught through the use of Weekly Reader.

Special Area Classes

Art: Drawing skills, techniques, and color theory are formally introduced at this level. New visual concepts are explored (motion, expression, use of space) and individual style is encouraged. Confidence abounds as we expand our knowledge and skills through discussion and artwork.

Computers: Students will learn the overall operation of a computer workstation and how to print. Students will be able to open a grade-appropriate program, operate it and quit the program. Students will be made aware of the safe and proper use of computer equipment. Each class is equipped with a complete computer system. Computer software will be used to enhance the first grade curriculum.

Library: Students learn the different sections of the library and library terminology through hands-on activities and bingo. Students work on basic alphabetization skills to help understand the arrangement of books in the library. They examine various genres of literature including the knowledge of the Caldecott and Newbery awards and winning titles.

Music: Students meet with the music specialist twice a week. They engage in dance and movement activities, sing, play rhythm instruments and xylophones, and begin simple keyboard skills. They also participate in a musical production in the spring and perform for assembly programs.

Physical Education: Our first grade students learn organizational skills as they are introduced to squads. We focus on fitness, physical education apparatus, small group games, tumbling, ball skills of throwing, catching and kicking, working alone and working within a group. We work on awareness of personal space and the personal space of others.

Science: The Science curriculum comes from both our reading series and the Harcourt Science Curriculum. Taught in the classroom, it provides students with the opportunity to explore various areas of physical, Earth and life sciences. Lessons provide hands-on investigations in all areas designed to stimulate curiousity and interest. Students are taught to observe, measure, clarify, infer and predict as they learn the scientific method of investigation.