From L to R: Mrs. Miller, Miss Vyhnalek, Mrs. Metherd and Mrs. Cole
Overview of First Grade
Building a solid foundation of basic skills is the primary focus in First Grade. These skills are essential for your child’s success in becoming a life-long learner. Our curriculum is designed to enhance and enrich the student’s development in all academic areas as well as in physical education and the fine arts.
Our language arts program is the basis of our morning instruction.
Reading instruction includes shared reading, word work, read alouds, guided reading, partner reading and independent reading.
Writing is an important component of the language arts program. Writing instruction includes penmanship, keeping a daily journal, word work, narrative (story) writing, expository (non-fiction) writing, sentence and paragraph structure/mechanics and introducing the writing process (webbing, drafting, editing, revising, final copy).
Mathematic lessons will cover the following areas: number sense/relationships, algebraic methods, data collection and analysis and probability, geometric concepts, measurement and computational techniques. The Everyday Mathematics instructional program is a problem solving approach that incorporates basic skills. These skills are revisited by teaching multiple methods and strategies for problem solving.
Our science focus is on the common characteristics within animal classes, water cycle and Earth.
Social studies curriculum explores North East Native American tribes, locating and distinguishing physical geographic features on a map, differentiate similarities and differences of the cultures and traditions in North America.
Our skilled media staff in the library and computer lab help us to integrate and reinforce our studies through research, projects and acquiring information.
Learning is enhanced with field trips, special guests and performers.
How can you help as a parent?
Learning at home is a critical component of reinforcing our instructional program.
- Children read 20 minutes daily and record on a Reading Calendar
- Reading aloud to your child on a regular basis (i.e. choosing a book that matches our curriculum). Many children enjoy fiction and non-fiction read alouds.
- Visit the public library and get your child a library card
- Set aside time with your child to look at his/her take home folder
- Please work with your child to complete Math Home Links
- Review and reinforce basic skills through math games (often listed in Home Links parent letter-called anytime activities)
- Find teachable moments to reinforce first grade skills (i.e. basic math skills or read environmental print)
- Give your child opportunities to write (i.e. lists, thank you notes and letters, keep a journal, write a story)
