Fisrt Grade Course Descriptions
Posted 2.12.09
First Grade
Reading
Grade 1 students will be guided through the incredible world of reading through exposure to many trade books of various genres, themes, and topics. The children will be using Project Read to learn the relationship between the letters of written language and the sounds of oral language. Project Read is a systematic and explicit, multi-sensory program that improves phonetic skills, spelling, writing, and vocabulary knowledge. The children also use the Macmillan/McGraw-Hill anthology, which includes selections of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. This core program aids in reinforcing emerging skills and allowing reading skills to flourish.
Writing
Grade 1 Students will develop their writing skills through direct instruction in grammar, encoding through Project Read instruction, and printing using a program entitled Handwriting Without Tears. Students will receive daily practice in sounding out words and writing them down in order to express their thoughts on paper. They will be taught to self-monitor their spelling, and to edit and revise their work. The goal will be for each child to be able to print three complete sentences that have one topic, are grammatically correct, and are legible.
Mathematics
First Grade students will explore numbers, number patterns, measurement, simple fractions, time, and money. The curriculum will utilize multiple strategies to encourage the learning of simple addition and subtraction facts, as well as, how to solve double-digit problems. The children will develop an understanding of place value, how to solve number stories, how to read and use graphs, as well as, how a thermometer measures the temperature. The children will work with two dimensional and three dimensional shapes. The skills the children learn in Math class will also be utilized as opportunities present themselves in all curriculum areas throughout the day. The goal is for the children to be able to transfer their understanding of these Math skills into real life situations. We will be using the Everyday Math Program to develop Math concepts.
Spanish
First graders will practice Spanish vocabulary through writing, oral, and visual exercises. Students will expand their vocabulary about family, body parts, colors, etc. Students will also learn to express emotions, give directions, and learn essential questions such as what is your name? where do you live? may I go to the bathroom? etc. In math students will also increase their knowledge in Spanish numbers and shapes
Science
First Graders are introduced to the “scientific method”. The children focus on observing their environment and how it works. Students make predictions, form hypothesis, test these hypothesis, record their information, and draw conclusions form their information. Students will study weather, living things, earth/land/water, and magnets. They will also begin to learn simple scientific terminology.
Social Studies
In first grade social studies, students will explore the many aspects of our communities, both locally and globally, with a focus on the United States. They will learn about the people and places, historical events, national holidays, and symbols related to these many communities. First Graders will also learn about what it means to be a good citizen in one’s community and strengthen their identity as American citizens.
Art
Grade One starts with oil crayon drawings. Next we’ll make “Monster Books” using colored pencils. They will paint, make collages and paper snowflakes. Then they’ll make clay turtles, and finger puppets. Students will do observational drawing and printmaking. Students will learn about color and do self- portraits. They will make water color butterflies and bean and pasta mosaics.
Music
In first grade music class activities include singing alone and with others, playing percussion instruments, listening and movement activities, reading music through signs, symbols, and letters, and musical games. Students will memorize several songs for group performances and learn to balance their voices with others. Students will create music and notate it using their own system. Descriptions of music by students should expand to include comparison and degrees of musical elements.
Computers
First graders are expected to log on and off the school’s network independently. They will practice basic computer skills with a drawing program while reinforcing some academic skills. In addition to mastering how to use the mouse, they will type text, use templates, and save files.
Physical Education
First Grade students will learn how to control their bodies and move in different ways and in different spaces. We will also learn basic skills of catching, throwing, and kicking. Most importantly we will learn how to work cooperatively in play and have fun.
Library
Students will learn the basic layout and organization of the library while selecting 1 book at a time to take home with them throughout the year. We will work on comprehension skills as well as differentiating types of books (literary genres, fiction/non-fiction, etc.). Students will also explore the world around them through books (careers, holidays, cultures, etc.). Students will be able to take one book home for two weeks at a time.