First Grade

First Grade Curriculum

Reading and Writing

The language arts curriculum incorporates phonics, comprehension, children’s classics, vocabulary study and reading for pleasure. Manuscript writing, English and spelling also are taught to provide a meaningful correlation between reading and language arts. Through reading and discussion of books, your child will develop listening, thinking, reasoning and creative writing skills.

Math

The Singapore math program in the first grade ranges from simple number identification to addition and subtraction. Your child will learn numerous math concepts and work with a variety of math manipulatives daily.

STEM

In first grade STEM, students explore units covering weather, dinosaurs, the nervous system, mammals, insects, chemistry, roller coaster design, and geared gizmos. Students are also introduced to concepts in coding using a variety of robots which respond to sequenced commands. Highlights of the year include live animal interactions, constructing a giant spider’s web, and working with a tornado simulator!

History and Social Studies

Current events and holidays are emphasized in social studies. In November, first-grade pilgrims and Native Americans gather for the annual Thanksgiving feast, a special day that marks the culmination of a unit on the first Thanksgiving.

Physical Education

Your child will engage in physical education five days a week. Emphasis is placed on the development of motor skills; manipulative skills; body image; directionality and spatial orientation; simple rhythmic, rope, and juggling activities; low organizational games; and, the components of fitness such as strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. Learning activities are conducted through challenge activities, games, and individual station work. Character education, listening skills, respect, and sportsmanship are highly emphasized.