The following is a brief description of our first grade program.
Reading: Children will be instructed as whole group as well as in small groups. You can best help your child by listening to them read and asking questions about what has been read. Above all, read to your child often. Reading time will involve the following elements: storytime, chartwork, vocabulary development, silent reading, partner reading, writing, and group activities.
Phonics: Phonics is a way of attacking words by using sounds of letters. These phonics skills are practiced everyday. We will work with recognizing all consonant sounds, short vowel sounds, vowel combinations, blends, and chunks. These skills will be used to unlock new words.
Language Arts: We will work on oral expression, listening, and creative writing in context. Free share and assigned share are an important part of language development. Please encourage your child to participate. Creative writing will be utilized to develop various language skills.
Math: Math is taught daily. Major skill areas are counting and writing numbers to 100, counting by 2's, 5's, and 10's, adding and subtracting through 18, telling time, graphing, problem solving, tens and ones, and measurement. We will be using manipulatives to help students develop an understanding of math concepts. Once concepts are mastered, math facts will be practiced through much repetition. Children may use manipulatives to visualize the problem, but the eventual goal is to learn the facts by rote.
Handwriting: Neatness and correct formation of all letters in all printed work is modeled and practiced daily. The Zaner Bloser Alphabet will be used as the basis for instruction.
Social Studies, Science, and Health: These subjects are taught as units. Concepts include: self and family, holidays, fire prevention, animals, maps and globes, senses, and dental health just to name a few.
Homework: Throughout the year, children will be asked to practice spelling, sight words, and math facts. This should take no longer than 10 minutes a night. Children also should be pleasure reading with you everynight for 10 minutes. A specific schedule is under "Homework."