Grade 1

List of 12 items.

• Language Arts

  Grade 1 students gain a strong phonetic foundation in a program helps them read fluently and confidently by hearing, saying, seeing and writing words. In addition to designated reading books, students listen to Junior Great Book stories and participate in shared inquiry discussions. In the Guided Reading Program, they respond to comprehension questions and write reports, stories and personal narratives. Word study is an integral part of the students’ week as they discover word patterns, spelling strategies and vocabulary. When students begin reading simple texts confidently, teachers administer the Scholastic Reading Inventory, which helps parents and teachers support children’s reading comprehension, skill development and book selection.

• Mathematics

  Grade 1 students continue to learn mathematics through the Math in Focus® curriculum. Math is learned daily and students work independently, in small and in large groups. The Grade 1 curriculum focuses on understanding of number bonds and fact families, skip counting, addition and subtraction fact fluency within 10, mental math strategies, place value, geometry, measurement, and patterns.

• Science

  The Grade 1 science curriculum focuses on using the Scientific Method as students observe, compare, contrast, predict and sort. As in the earlier grades, the program is inquiry-based with authentic learning opportunities. Topics are woven into the PYP Units of Inquiry and include, for example, learning about gravity during their space unit, about food sources in the farm-to-table unit, and how imagination has impacted scientific developments over time in their transportation unit.
  

• Social Studies

  The social studies curriculum is integrated into the grade level themes. Students are guided through investigations and inquiries into a variety of relevant topics that pose problems or raise questions. Through carefully constructed experiences as well as teacher responses to student interest and questions, students gain knowledge and skills, apply their learning to new situations and experiences, make connections, and determine personally relevant actions.

• Art

  Grade 1 art lessons provide imaginative outlets and opportunities for creative expression, cultural exploration and experimentation with a variety of artistic techniques. Students continue to learn and build upon the basic elements and principles of art and design including line, shape, color, texture and form, using a variety of media including crayon, watercolor, color pencil, oil pastel, tempera painting, collage and clay. Activities may include artworks relating to academic classroom units of study and a look at artistic styles and artists.

• Technology

  Grade 1 students begin to use the computer as a learning resource and frequently use word processing and drawing applications. Technology lessons are integrated into the classroom curriculum. Students are expected to use proper terminology when communicating about technology and know the basic parts of the computer. In addition to learning multiple ways to open programs and to save, locate, open and close files on individual computers and the network, students learn basic functions within applications, such as copy and paste. Internet use is limited to specific sites and includes many programs to help strengthen academic skills.

• Spanish

  In their Spanish classes twice a week, Grade 1 students engage in both whole and small group activities that give them opportunities to practice simple questions and responses in Spanish. Vocabulary is grouped thematically in categories such as animals, family and places. At the end of the year, the classroom unit of study about sea life is incorporated into Spanish, and students complete a short book describing various sea creatures while learning their names in Spanish.

• Learning Resources

  Teachers recognize students’ unique learning styles and assist them in reaching their full potential by helping them develop strategies for success. Learning resources are also available from Learning Specialists, who provide both extra challenges and extra support with specific skill work as necessary. Social/emotional resources are also available from the Lower School Counselor, who offers parent education; meets with teachers, individual students, small groups and entire classes; and provides the social/emotional support that helps children feel secure, successful and happy.

• Library

  Grade 1 goes to the library for read-aloud stories and books. During group story time, students enjoy listening to a wide range of books and discussing a range of topics, for example unfamiliar vocabulary and how a story relates to experiences in their own lives. During independent library time, students continue developing skills introduced in Kindergarten such as quiet library voices, caring gently for books and magazines, and using shelf markers to locate books on favorite subjects. As their reading skills develop, Grade 1 students also begin independently selecting "just right for me" books using a variety of strategies.

• Music

  Grade 1 musicians continue to learn written music notation through reading, playing and singing as well as listening and writing. Students expand their knowledge of pitch by learning more of the Kodaly/Kurwin hand signs and pitch names and practice solo and group performance skills.  Composition and improvisation as well as dancing and movement are integral parts of the music program. Orff instruments are used in the program from Kindergarten through Fifth Grade.

• Physical Education

  The Grade 1 PE program strives to support student growth through engaging student’s physical, mental and cognitive development. We implement a safe environment for all students to participate in a variety of movement experiences, motor learning, practice and play. The desired outcomes are skill acquisition in fundamental movement skills, self-efficiency, improving fitness, gaining knowledge and confidence while enjoying rigorous play. The main class activities include: gymnastics, wall ball, team sports development, track and field, running games, and general fitness.

   

• Swimming

  The Grade 1 swim program is challenging and exciting. The program is designed to safely meet and push the needs of each individual by teaching students to learn new strokes and increase their stamina for floating, treading and swimming longer distances. Water and pool safety comprehension is a primary focus. After school swim clubs are offered for Kindergarten through Grade 5.

   

  Grade 1 swim will cover:

   

  • Treading water
  • Crawl stroke with side breathing
  • Elementary backstroke with flutter kick
  • Backstroke with arms, crawl stroke
  • Transition into backstroke, whip kick
  • Sitting dive
  • Kneeling dive
  • Jumping in the water safety