Lake WestonElementary School

First Grade - Curriculum At A Glance

Reading

• Uses basic elements of phonetic analysis (ex. Hears, segments, substitutes and blends sounds in words)
• Uses sound/symbol relations and beginning letters (onsets) and patterns (rimes) as visual cues for decoding
• Uses context clues to construct meaning (ex. illustrations, knowledge of the story and topic)
• Uses information from a variety of sources (letters, sounds, pictures, background information, grammar) to figure out unknown words.
• Develops vocabulary by using references (ex. Illustrations, knowledge of the story and topic) to build upon prior knowledge
• Uses knowledge of word endings (including s, ing, ed, er, est, ful) to determine word meanings
• Uses a variety of strategies to comprehend text (ex. Inference, self-monitoring, predicting, retelling, discussing, restating ideas)
• Knows the main idea or theme and supporting details of a story or information piece
• Makes inferences based on text and prior knowledge (ex. Regarding traits, feelings, actions of characters)
• Reads for information used in performing tasks (ex. Directions, graphs, charts, signs, captions)
• Identifies fiction and non-fiction writing

Writing

• uses pre-writing strategies independently ( such as brainstorming, webs, etc)
• uses beginning, middle and end organizational formats in their stories
• uses word wall words, sensory words,
• uses conventional spelling with most frequently used words
• consistent use of spacing, capitalization and punctuation
• writes for a variety of purposes on their own
• able to plan, draft, conference, revise, edit, publish

Mathematics

Number sense

• counts, reads and writes numerals to 100 or more
• uses ordinal numbers 1st – 10th or higher
• compares and orders whole numbers to 100 or more (<,=,>) and compares two or more sets
• represents whole and fractional numbers using concrete materials and drawings (one-half, one-fourth, and three-fourths)
• represents equivalent forms of the same number up to 10 or more, through the use of concrete materials (including coins) diagrams and number expressions
• counts orally to 100 or more by 2s, 5s, 10s with and without a hundred chart
• uses concrete materials, pictures and symbols to show the grouping and place value of numbers to 100 or more
• demonstrates knowledge of addition (counting up, increasing) and subtraction (taking away, comparing, finding the difference) using manipulatives, drawings, symbols and story problems

Measurement

• measures length, weight or capacity of an object using standard and nonstandard units
• estimates the passage of time using before or after, yesterday, today or tomorrow; day or night; morning, afternoon or evening; hour or half-hour
• knows and compares money values to one dollar

Geometry

• knows and sorts 2 dimensional figures according to their attributes (ex. Vertices, edges, curves and faces)

Algebra

• predicts and extends existing patterns that are concrete or pictorial
• uses concrete objects to solve number sentences with equalities and inequalities (using the symbols >,=,<)
• solves addition and subtraction sentences where an unknown number is represented by a geometric shape

Data analysis and probability

• uses mathematical language to read and interpret data on a simple concrete graph, pictorial graph or chart
• knows if a given event is more likely, equally likely, or less likely to occur (ex. six blue marbles and two green marbles in a bag

Science

• investigates several science units using scientific observations and skills.
• explores different science topics including life science, earth science, physical science, and space & technology

Ideas for helping your child at home

Language Arts

• Read Daily! Listen to your student read. Read to your student
• Encourage your child to read from many sources including magazines, newspapers, non-fiction and fiction books.
• Read a story with your child playing “word tag” You read some words, then tap your child’s shoulder for him/her to begin reading.  Your child will tap your shoulder when it is time for you to read.
• Read a page with “skip reading” You read one word and your child reads the next word. Continue to the end of the page.
• Have your student read the Read Well homework and decoding folders weekly. Review old units as well.
• Provide experiences in writing such as family journals, diaries and learning logs. Provide writing materials.
• Set up a home message board. Write a message to your child every day.

Mathematics

• Help your child figure the amount of change when shopping. Teach him/her how to count back money.
• Sort objects into groups of 2s, 5s and 10s. Practice counting orally.
• Have your child make a monthly family calendar of events.
• Use concrete materials to compare fractions (ex. one-half, one-third, one-fourth). Use real life situations with your child using cookies, pizza, etc.
• Allow your child to survey the family (ex., favorite foods, color or car) and make a bar, line or picture graph.
• Practice basic addition and subtraction facts using flash cards.
• Practice telling time on an analog clock.
• Identify, label and discuss all the geometric shapes found inside and outside your home.
• Have your child assist with recipes and preparing meals