Curriculum
Reader's Workshop
In Reader's Workshop we learn and practice many skills to help us become better readers! Each day a lesson is taught and students apply those skills during a 30 minute independent reading block. Our lessons are aligned with the Common Core State Standards. During independent reading, small guided reading groups meet for approximately 15 minutes. During guided reading groups, reading skills are taught based on student need. Students also read books at their instructional book level to practice what they have learned.
Writer's Workshop
In Writer's Workshop, we will learn many different genres of writing throughout the school year. We will write narratives, informative writing, opinions, and also take part in shared research. Our writing curriculum is aligned with the Common Core State Standards. Each day a lesson is taught and the students apply their learned skills while writing independently.
Math Workshop
Our math program is aligned with the Common Core State Standards. Throughout the school year, we will learn addition and subtraction skills, geometry, data collection, and measurement. We will also focus on fact fluency throughout the school year. Remember to have students practice their addition and subtraction fact fluency, within 20 at home!
Word Study/Foundations
Throughout the school year, we will learn different foundational skills based on the Common Core State Standards, to help us in our reading and writing. We also practice high frequency sight words, which are important for first grade students to learn. Our books are filled with sight words!
Social Studies
Our first grade social studies curriculum consists of learning about maps and globes, symbols of our government, economics, and comparative cultures. During our unit on maps and globes, we will learn the characteristics of a map, such as map keys and symbols, cardinal directions, the difference between a map and a globe, and using direction to follow a map. When we study symbols of the U.S. government, we will learn about important symbols such as the American Flag, the Pledge of Allegiance, the bald eagle, and the Statue of Liberty. During our unit on economics, we will learn about needs, wants and resources. When we study comparative cultures, we will study the cultures of Kenya and China.
Science
Our first grade science curriculum consists of learning about properties of matter, plants, and soil. Our unit on properties of matter will teach the students the differences between a solid, a liquid and a gas. We will explore these different types of matter! When we learn about plants and soil, we will learn about different types of soil and why it is important. When studying about plants, we will learn the parts of a plant, and what they need to grow and be healthy.