First Grade Curriculum

Description of ISD 196 Curriculum

Reading

Reading instruction is provided through three components: Shared Reading with the entire class reading the same story together; Guided Reading with the students meeting in small groups reading appropriate text levels with the teacher; and Independent Reading with students self-selecting and reading books that are "just right" for them. Additionally, teachers read aloud daily to the students. These reading components are incorporated weekly to achieve a balanced literacy program.

First graders begin the year with a readiness program which immerses them in many language activities such as poems, big story books, rhyming words, letter sounds, must know vocabulary words, songs and chants. Following the readiness materials are the simple but interesting stories written by well known authors. The teachers integrate reading with the other curriculum areas.

Writing

In first grade, we approach writing as a process and recognize the developmental levels of learning how to write. Our writing curriculum models many forms of written communication such as stories, letters, journals and reports. Children are expected to progress through these writing stages through individual and group practice.

Math

The math curriculum focuses on beginning addition and subtraction facts, number sequence and place value. Other topics your child will be introduced to are time and money, graphing, estimation, patterning, algebra, measurement and counting. Problem solving strategies incorporating math skills and concepts are emphasized.

Science

Our science curriculum is designed to actively involve students. The "hands on" approach demonstrates just how much science is part of our daily living. The FOSS science kits that are used during the year present content along with the thinking skills and the decision-making skills of the scientific process. In first grade we present the following units: Air and Weather, New Plants, and Liquids and Solids.

Social Studies

Our social studies curriculum is new for the 2008-2009 school year. It is called TCI which stands for Teacher's Curriculum Institute. It is a 'hands-on' program designed to help first graders explore their relationship with their school and family.

Health

Health begins with a unit on feelings and friendships. We learn about bus, fire, bicycle and playground safety. We study colds and germs, and drug awareness. During February we learn about teeth and how to care for them.