Language Arts

Reading, phonics and development of a basic sight vocabulary help give first graders the foundation to become fluent readers.  Children learn in small groups based on readiness.  Students continue to use inventive spelling during the creative writing activities and begin to apply spelling skills developed both through reading and writing activities and the formal spelling program introduced during the second semester.  The SRA Reading Lab fosters working independently.  The handwriting program encourages students to apply skills learned through our language arts program.  Creative writing is an important part of our weekly activities.  Students may also begin to write simple reports.  Additionally, there is a weekly library period.  Computers add excitement to creative writing, phonics and reading activities while simultaneously developing word processing skills.   The texts used for Language Arts are:

Reading – Scott Foresman, Reading 
              SRA Reading Lab, 1a
Phonics – Sadlier Oxford, Phonics
              Educators Publishing Service, Explode the Code
Spelling – Zaner Bloser, Spelling Connections, Level 1
Handwriting – Zaner Bloser, Handwriting, Level 1
Language Arts – Harcourt Brace, Language
                       Educators Publishing Service, Wordly Wise 3000, Book 1

Mathematics

Our first graders continue to explore patterns and numeration.  They learn addition and subtraction facts to 18; expand their understanding of measurement; learn about place value (ones, tens); begin to learn about fractions and geometry; and solve simple problems.  As in Kindergarten, the use of manipulatives is very important.  Unifix cubes, geoboards, counting frames, computers, counters and pattern blocks are some of the available tools. The texts used for Math are:   

Houghton Mifflin, Math, Level 1 and Math Workbook, Level 1

Social Studies

The importance of families, communities, and cities in our country and in different cultures forms the nucleus of the First Grade social studies curriculum.  Map skills are integrated into the program.  The theme of cooperation continues – neighborhoods and neighbors working together.  Students also begin to learn more about work and earning money, and about taxes.  Curriculum-related field trips round out the social studies.  The texts used for Social Studies are:

Harcourt Brace, A Child’s View and A Child’s View Workbook
Modern Curriculum Press, Map and Globe Skills, Level A
Scholastic News

Science

Students continue to make observations and explorations in nine subjects: plants, animals, ecology, matter, energy, space, earth, weather and the human body.  Observations and explorations are made using scientific methods.  Children undertake several research projects throughout the year, including one on dinosaurs.  Delta Educational Products’ Full Option Science System modular kits are continued in the First Grade curriculum.  This year, these hands-on, modular units focus upon Insects; Pebbles, Sand and Silt; and Air and Water.  Our weather station is incorporated into the science curriculum. The texts used for Science are:

Harcourt Brace, Science, Level 1 and Science Workbook, Level 1 
Delta FOSS Science Kits
American Legacy Publishing, Inc., Science Studies Weekly Adventure

Additional Academic Subjects

First Grade students also receive instruction in Spanish, music/performing arts, computer/technology, religion, library, studio art, and physical education with special curriculum teachers.  These subjects are detailed later in this publication.