1st Grade

Language Arts

The Language Arts curriculum is designed to allow students more time to practice authentic reading, writing, speaking, listening and viewing tasks, to offer more choice in text selection, to organize the curriculum around units of study (genre/author/thematic studies) and to provide instruction through a workshop framework.  The titles of the units covered throughout first grade include:  I Am a Reader and a Writer, What Makes a Story, and Author Studies. The content of each unit serves as the vehicle for teaching students the essential skills, knowledge and understandings of English-language arts.

Math

Math strategies are taught, but creative approaches to solving problems are encouraged. Through exploration, the children learn to become independent thinkers and to communicate mathematical ideas. During the year, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division concepts will be taught. Students will also be given experiences to learn graphing skills, data recording, estimation, measurement, time, money concepts, and much more.

Science

First graders study insects and their life cycles. They learn about mealworms, ladybugs, ants, and caterpillars. Observations using magnifying glasses are made regularly and data is recorded. What fun to watch the various stages of insects from larva to adult! Throughout the year during science lessons, the children learn about the four seasons and the various types of weather in New England. Daily weather and temperature are recorded and graphed. Many math concepts are included in our weather study. Finally, the children learn about shadows during science time. They learn how shadows are formed, and why shadows change size and shape.

Social Studies

The Region 15 social studies program is built around a progressive understanding of the pervasive and enduring historical, political, geographical, economic and social issues of our world. The curriculum balances and spirals the learning of concepts, skills, and developmentally appropriate content.  Instruction includes thought provoking activities, hands-on experience, and performance-based assessments using a variety of resources. The social studies program develops’ students appreciation, tolerance and respect for other cultures.

The first graders begin the first marking period by studying what makes up a school community as well as how it is governed. The boys and girls discover that we are a community of learners and that rules are in place to help us learn and keep us safe. We discuss how the community of learners works together and that there are different roles that must be filled for the community of learners to be successful. Students will also explore needs and wants and change over time within this unit. The next marking period focuses on holidays as well as traditions and customs we celebrate with our families. The final unit of study explores our neighborhoods, and how they can also be a community. Throughout the year, the students learn how communities can change over time, mapping skills, and they are exposed to literature to help strengthen their knowledge of school, family, and neighborhoods.