FIRST GRADE

OVERVIEW

READING

In first grade, students apply concepts of print, phonological and phonemic awareness, oral language skills, and phonics. They continue to expand their reading vocabulary and demonstrate comprehension by participating in a variety of responses. Students choose and read a variety of books for pleasure.

WRITING

Most first grade writers are able to develop an idea or item of information beyond one sentence, adding some details of description or explanation. Although phonetic spelling is common, there is a marked increase in the number of words spelled accurately. As understanding of revising and editing develops, the overall accuracy of writing increases. Conventions of punctuation, directionality, spacing, and letter formation ensure work is legible.
A Quick Check:

Does the student:
• Write simple sentences in sequence with some logical development?
• Show awareness of some spelling patterns?
• Attend to medial (middle) and final sounds in phonetic spelling?
• Reread what is written, being aware of the need to work toward accuracy?
• Include some detail and explore new topics?

 

MATH

In first grade, students count, sort, and compare sets, understanding the relative values of numbers. Students understand subtraction as separating or undoing addition and expand their understanding of number through application of basic addition and subtraction facts. Students read a clock, work with two-dimensional figures and use nonstandard units to measure. They also develop their understanding of statistics by organizing and interpreting data. They recognize and describe simple repeating and growing patterns to develop their algebraic sense.

SOCIAL STUDIES

In first grade Social Studies the main focus is on families.

The themes are:

A. Families In Our Community

B. Families in Other Places

C. Related Social Studies Skills

 

SCIENCE

In first grade students learn to find the patterns and ask their own questions about their natural world, both living and non-living. Students learn to ask, for example, What do plant and animals need to live? Why does weather change? How is weather measured? Students develop skills with sorting, describing, comparing and recording their observations. They begin to look for patterns in the natural world. The guiding question is In first grade students learn to find the patterns and ask their own questions about their natural world, both living and non-living. Students learn to ask, for example, What do plant and animals need to live? Why does weather change? How is weather measured? Students develop skills with sorting, describing, comparing and recording their observations. They begin to look for patterns in the natural world. The investigative skills of Asking Questions,Observing Describing, Comparing, and Finding Patterns are explored.