First Grade Curriculum

FIRST GRADE

Mathematics
The Everyday Mathematics Program in first grade aims to help students become successful problem solvers, to think and to communicate mathematically, to understand the value of mathematics, and to enjoy the learning process so that learning becomes a lifelong pursuit.
In mathematics, as in other areas, we strive to foster a warm and caring classroom environment where children share ideas, strategies, and solutions. Children are taught that there are different ways to solve a problem.
Each day students focus on how mathematics relates to their environment. A daily routine of discussing the calendar connects naturally to the topics of temperature, weather, number lines, patterns in numbers, and the representation of number models. Daily practices with exercises like these give students repeated opportunity to grow in their power to reason, count, calculate, estimate, classify, collect data, graph, predict,and compute, all vital concepts and skills in understanding and applying mathematics. A variety of mathematical tools and manipulatives is an integral part of every lesson.
Language Arts
The first grade program devotes a large block of time to reading and writing instruction. Summit takes an eclectic approach to reading instruction in order to accommodate the varying learning styles and reading abilities represented in each classroom. Students’ reading skills are developed through direct phonics instruction, the mastery of sight words, repeated readings and the use of context clues within each story. Vocabulary and comprehension are developed within contextual reading activities. Most students finish first grade with fluent reading skills. Special small group instruction is available for students identified in kindergarten as at risk for reading difficulties. Students are exposed to quality literature through oral reading and silent reading periods each day. They also have the opportunity to visit the library for story time and to check out books.
Students are encouraged to write their own stories, songs, maps, lists, poems, captions, and letters. Summit fosters a sense of independence and creativity by seeing writing as a process and allowing our youngest students to use phonetic spelling. Basic punctuation, beginning proofreading skills and common spelling words are also studied. Students review manuscript letter formation and learn cursive handwriting to improve writing fluency.
Science
In science we cover specific skills and topics, while being flexible enough to incorporate the impromptu Show-and-Tell visits of insects, nests, etc. and the varying interests of individual classes. We use a hands-on approach to learning where we teach skills of observational exploration and documentation of subjects which are age-appropriate and within the realm of children’s experiences.
First graders visit the Elementary Science Lab for rotating units throughout the year. Over the course of the year, topics include: the five senses, invertebrates and vertebrates, animal behavior and habitat, plants, an introduction to physical science, and weather. Students take part in activities in the classroom, lab, and outdoors.
Social Studies
In social studies the predominant theme is that of community. Students gain exposure to aspects of different countries and cultures and in the spring are immersed in the study of famous Americans and aspects of American history. The curriculum also includes guidance lessons in handling interpersonal situations and making appropriate choices in everyday life matters. Each student regularly meets with a big friend in sixth grade as one way to enjoy participating in the school community.
Whether learning about countries, famous people, history, or current events, we emphasize communication skills and ideas of compassion and responsibility toward others and the earth.
Foreign Language
First graders continue their study of French and Spanish through games, songs, and direct instruction. More emphasis is paid to numbers and vocabulary associated with our curriculum. They study French for one semester and Spanish for the other semester.
Physical Education
Students participate in physical education daily. They learn to control and manage their bodies and build body strength through different movement experiences. They develop skills that are fundamental to other athletic pursuits. Activities, conducted in a non-competitive spirit, are both challenging and fun, and students are taught to practice principles of good sportsmanship.
Art
In art children are provided experiences to help them observe their environment with sensitivity and creativity. Students have many opportunities to use and explore a wide range of materials and media in drawing, painting, and construction (sculpture, crafts) each year.
First graders study and create art projects related to nature. Some of the topics included are: insects, vegetables, fruits, the egg, the tree, the earth and sky, weather, birds, the seashore, and flowers.
Art activities are correlated with other parts of the curriculum and with the child’s life experiences outside the classroom. Each child is involved in choosing, planning, and completing his or her projects. Throughout the year, the children experience the joy of seeing work on display in the classroom and in other areas of the school.
Music
First Graders journey to the music room every third week for daily thirty-minute lessons. They are encouraged to further develop their singing skills and proper vocal technique is emphasized. The study of composers and their music is used to teach children history, musical structures and listening. Movement is a natural venue in music to experience creativity, self-expression and rhythm. 1st Graders also begin learning the values of notes and simple rhythm reading. Once a year, they present a program for their parents in the theatre.
Computers
Each classroom has a state-of-the-art system with Internet access and a wide array of creative and informational software to explore individually. Children continue to learn basic skills and operations from the teacher and from each other.
Our creative writing program makes use of the computer lab located in the Primary Library. First graders rotate through the lab learning basic keyboarding skills as well as how to use a simplified word processing program to create poetry, stories, and reports.