First Grade Classes

Art – 1

The art program allows the students to explore a variety of two and three-dimensional media. In drawing and painting, the focus is on composing imagery using lines and shapes. In printmaking and ceramics, the students will investigate how texture is created, how it feels, and how it changes the appearance of their work. In sculpture and collage, they will learn various paper folding and cutting techniques. In fiber arts, they will compose an intricate visual pattern when weaving with paper and learn to create images with stitchery. 

Language Arts – 1

Our language arts curriculum consists of four linked elements: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. As the studentsenter first grade with different skill levels, they are all supported and challenged to develop their skills fully. 

A phonics program supports the acquisition of decoding and spelling skills, and sound-symbol relationships are taught in a relevant and meaningful way. In word study the students study sounds, patterns, blends, syllables, and suffixes, as well as “outlaw” words that are spelled irregularly. Initially the students are encouraged to use phonetic spelling in order to practice their sounds and to take risks with their writing. They are then encouraged to apply spelling patterns and strategies as they acquire these skills. We follow a manuscript handwriting program and practice lower case letters frequently. 

The goal of our reading program is to help each student become confident in his skills and develop a deep interest in reading. We use an eclectic approach to reading instruction where the studentslearn a variety of strategies to decode and comprehend the text. During reading workshop the students read independently; they choose their own books and learn to make appropriate choices. Mini-lessons focus on metacognitive comprehension strategies which help the students engage actively with texts and become aware of their own thinking. The students then apply these strategies to their own books. The studentsalso meet regularly in small guided reading groups. The material read and skills emphasized are appropriate to the reading levels of the group members. Reading at home (P.A.C.T.) provides additional practice and reinforcement of skills. 

Our writing program fosters the development of confident, enthusiastic, and competent authors. The students follow the writing workshop process and explore different genres such as I love … books, all about… books, home-adventure-home books, letter writing, and Leo Lionni-inspired fiction stories. The students listen to a variety of mentor texts and then rehearse by writing and drawing in that style. They then draft their own pieces. They share them with the class and confer with the teacher regularly. The focus is on writing with clarity and having a beginning, middle, and end. The students begin to revise and edit as the year progresses. In addition to structured genre study, the students have the opportunity to write about subjects of their own choosing in independent journals. 

Library – 1

The goals of the library program are to instill a love of reading, to inspire critical thinking, and to help the students become effective users of ideas and information. Students have one scheduled library class per week where stories are read aloud, books are selected, and research skills are taught in conjunction with the classroom curriculum. 

Mathematics- 1 

We use Investigations in Number, Data and Space, a complete K-5 mathematics curriculum developed at TERC under a grant from the National Science Foundation in Cambridge, Massachusetts as the framework for our program. It is designed to help all children understand the fundamental ideas of number and operations, geometry, data, measurement, and early algebra. Investigations includes activity-based mathematics that encourage students to think creatively, develop and articulate problem-solving strategies, and work cooperatively with their classmates. Many Investigations activities involve engaging games that reinforce students' understanding of important mathematical concepts and skills. We regularly supplement the program with our own materials. 

In first grade, students continue to engage in mathematical thinking through experimentation, investigation, questioning, and problem solving. Math manipulatives provide concrete and visual reinforcement of math concepts. The students are encouraged to be active problem solvers and to use multiple strategies to arrive at solutions. The students learn to express their thinking both verbally and on paper. They move from representing their thinking with pictures to using numbers and symbols. The math activities foster increasing competence in counting and ordering numbers, number combinations and facts, addition and subtraction, place value (up to 100), fractions, money, measurement, graphs, and geometry.

Physical Education – 1

The physical education program in first grade emphasizes fundamental locomotor, stability, and manipulative movements (running, skipping, throwing, catching, etc.) The goals of the program are to build a strong foundation of physical fitness and to develop those skills on which future motor learning will be based. The teachers strive to develop personal physical growth rather than focus on competition. 

Science – 1

Our first grade science classes focus on the development of fundamental science skills by guiding and encouraging the natural curiosity within each student. Students explore the world by making observations, asking questions, hypothesizing, and drawing conclusions through a series of inquiry-based investigations that cover a wide variety of topics including the five senses, health and hygiene, invertebrates, simple machines, plants, and birds. Scientific language is developed through large and small group discussions and by reading science-based children’s literature. The students’ laboratory skills are enhanced by utilizing a wide variety of scientific equipment including microscopes, thermometers, pipettes, and balances. By working in teams and individually, students practice and refine their social skills such as cooperation and communication while learning to value individual talents and interests. 

Social Studies – 1

Focusing on the idea of communities, our social studies program is designed to enhance and stimulate each student’s awareness of and interest in the world around him. The studentsbegin the year by exploring various aspects of their own identities and how these attributes contribute to our classroom community. Then they investigate different family structures and learn about each other’s families. Next, the students learn about the community helpers in our school. Throughout our studies, the students will be responsible for designing and running a fire museum, operating the Lower School post office, and creating public service announcements about the importance of recycling. Mapping skills, geography, and a beginning sense of history are integrated into each of our units whenever possible. 

Technology – 1

The technology curriculum has been created so that it is purposeful and age-appropriate, and enhances the students’ learning. In first grade, the students regularly visit the technology lab for classes. They use laptop computers, iPads, and Lego robotics kits. The students are introduced to programming and learn the basic commands as they build Lego robots. They explore Read, Write and Type - software that introduces the operation of the mouse and the layout of the keyboard, and supports early literacy. A communication unit explores the power of technology when using video, email, and skype. The students use Pixie to tell stories, draw, and create. They use Google Earth as a tool during the around the world unit. 

Music – 1 

First grade music continues to build the foundation for music making and extends the skills and concepts acquired in kindergarten. Vocal warm-ups are utilized for in-tune singing and solfège hand signs are used for learning the Pentatonic scale and intervals. The song repertoire includes folksongs from around the world, rounds, and songs related to the classroom curriculum. Rhythms (quarter, half, eighth notes, and rests) are played on percussion instruments. Orff instruments are used for improvisation and to accompany musical games and dances. Orchestral instruments will continue to be explored. 

Respect and Responsibility – 1

Our respect and responsibility program guides our students with activities and discussions that help them to develop emotionally and socially and become positive members of a group. The curriculum begins with community building and then moves into emotional literacy, conflict resolution, decision making, and stress and anxiety management. 

Students also participate in anti-bias education through which they explore their own identities, learn to appreciate and value diversity, and develop critical thinking skills as they consider a range of concepts relating to equity and justice. 

Related to this work is a gender and sexuality curriculum. Topics explored in the first grade classrooms include: each person is unique, gender stereotypes and why they can be harmful, and the purpose of a family and how each family is unique. In science class the students learn about health and hygiene, seeds, male/female cells in plants, and the difference between plant seeds and duck eggs. 

Art in kindergarten is designed to foster the developing creativity and abilities of young learners. In an atmosphere of support, we encourage students to explore various media and techniques including drawing, painting, sculpture, assemblage, and printmaking. We consider, discuss, and value representation and expression of both the real and the imagined. Students engage in the safe and thoughtful use of materials and tools.