FIRST GRADE WEB PAGE

Language Arts

The first grade language arts curriculum includes an introduction of letters and sounds and is driven by the Scott Foresman Series.  Orton Gillingham strategies will be used to support and supplement the Scott Foresman sequence as appropriate.  The skills taught throughout the school year include:
Phonemic Awareness
Phonics Skills
Spelling
Vocabulary and High Frequency Words
Comprehension Strategies
Communication Strategies
Fluency
Grammar
The Writing Process
Handwriting

Along with the skills listed above, the students are engaged in activities that meet the diverse needs of all learners. The skills taught in language arts are integrated into all subjects areas.

Math

In first grade, we build on skills acquired in kindergarten.  Our comprehensive curriculum driven by the Scott Foresman series includes the following:
Patterns
Addition and Subtraction
Geometry and Fractions
Time
Counting to 100
Place Value, Data, and Graphs
Money
Measurement and Probability

We conclude the year with double digit addition and subtraction with regrouping.   We also incorporate many opportunities for writing which include open ended math prompts.

Social Studies
Our first grade social studies curriculum centers on our community.  Students will learn about history, civics/government, geography, and economy as these topics relate to our local community.  Specific attention is directed to the interaction between business, government, people and land.

Science  -  Science Matters Kits
Through this kit the students will have the opportunity to investigate a variety of organisms.  In addition, they learn that organisms have specific needs and that they grow and change over time.  As they proceed, they discover similarities and differences between plants and animals and that all organisms can be classified according to what they have in common or not.
The organisms investigated are as listed:
Various types of seeds
Moss
Tree seedlings
Cabomba plant
Freshwater snail
Male / female guppies
Millipede or beetle
Pill bug
Students will be provided with many opportunities to practice and develop their observation skills, relating previous experiences, and working effectively in groups throughout the lessons.

Weather
Weather is a 16 – lesson unit for first graders.  They will develop new skills and grasp new concepts through observing, discussing, measuring, and recording data on the four weather features. 
Students observe the weather by using their senses
Students use simple tools to measure temperature and rainfall
Students are able to discuss and record information about weather features

By the end of the unit, the students’ new scientific knowledge will contribute to understanding of how weather affects their lives.

Earth Science – Ecology

Throughout this unit, the children will learn the importance of caring for our Earth and the natural resources that come from the Earth.  Conservation and the ways to protect our resources are also covered.  We also discuss reusing, recycling and reducing the natural resources we use to protect the animals in their habitats.
At the conclusion of this unit, the students should be able to:
Define a natural resource
Explore ways to classify rocks
Identify components of soil
Identify various habitats