First Grade
“Gray shirts” transition to “blue shirts” in First Grade.
The First Grade program includes field trips, parent involvement, and VIP/Star Students, which helps to develop poise and a stronger sense of self-worth through speaking in front of the class. Learners also experience technology through iPads, SMARTBoards, and weekly access to the computer lab.
Language Arts
Our learning day begins with Language Arts. Our Language Arts program is a balanced literacy program. The goal of the first grade Language Arts program is to provide opportunities for your child to become more effective speakers and writers of language and readers of print.
Fundations
Fundations is a research-based program for building a foundation for reading and writing. It provides integrated systematic word study, spelling, comprehension, fluency, and handwriting curriculum. This program provides both reading and writing for meaning, understanding, and having fun while learning. We continue with Daily 5 and differentiated reading instruction and Café. Throughout the year, various themes will tie together the Language Arts program to our other areas of study to ensure a well-rounded education for your son.
Math
Math is also a morning subject. Our program is the Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley EnVision Math. This program includes four components: 1. Basic Facts and Skills, 2. More Practice, 3. Problem Solving, and 4. Ongoing Test Prep. It is a “hands-on,” success-oriented program that emphasizes manipulatives and problem-solving strategies. This program is also taught throughout the lower school for continuity. For added enrichment, we use the computer for math problem-solving programs, activities and games, and other supplemental math programs are used.
Social Studies
Social Studies is a combination of units and geography. We use the Daily Geography Practice and the weekly news magazines Scholastic News and Time for Kids, which keep us up to date with current events. We have special units about the Qualities of the Month, history, people, places, and environment.
Science
Our Science program is the Harcourt School Publishers’ Science, Simple Solutions, and the use of Foss Kits. The components are Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical Science. It is a hands-on science series with experiments, activities, and enrichment. We go to our science lab at least once per week.