First Grade

First Grade - Curriculum At A Glance

Reading

The student…
  • 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

Fluent writers…
  • 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
The student…
  • 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

The student…
  • 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