English Language Arts The language arts curriculum provides systematic, explicit skills instruction that include phonemic awareness (sounds in spoken words), phonics and decoding skills. Literature and language-rich activities ensure that all students develop the skills to become fluent readers, writers, listeners, speakers and thinkers. Some examples of specific concepts and skills which students are to master are provided in the topic areas listed below: Reading: Foundational Skills Decoding and Encoding Consonants Consonant blends Long and short vowels Syllables Diagraphs Diphthongs R-Controlled vowels Word families Base words/inflections Prefixes and suffixes High frequency words Spelling patterns Silent e words Long vowel trickers Other vowel trickers (ar, or, ear, tag along e) Rhythm and rhyme 1
Reading: Comprehension Skills Plot: problem and solution Cause and Effect Understand Characters Determine important ideas Recognize patterns in text Sequence events Compare and contrast texts Generate questions about texts Recognize text structure Draw conclusions Identify Plot: beginning, middle, end Make and confirm predictions Descriptive language Identify setting Identify main idea and supporting details Distinguish between reality and fantasy Reading: Vocabulary Multiple-meaning words Synonyms and antonyms Question words Onomatopoeia Idioms Use context clues Categorize and sequence words Reading: Fluency Writing Read at an appropriate rate Read with expression Observe punctuation while reading Read rhythmically Use proper pitch and volume Write sentences about favorite activities Write sentences about favorite characters Use graphic organizers Generate questions for writing Descriptive writing Use complete sentences Poetry writing Write sentences about problems/solutions Write a friendly letter Use the writing process 2
Speaking and Listening Language Speak clearly Follow classroom directions and procedures Clarify directions Retell stories Recite parts of familiar literature Give oral presentations Engage in classroom discussions Nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs Comparative and superlative adjectives Synonyms and antonyms Plurals Homophones Homographs Understand and use punctuation and capitalization Contractions Information Resources Use various sources to gather information Use the library to research topics Record data through words and pictures Use graphic organizers Alphabetical order 3
Mathematics First graders will learn and practice many important skills. The math program provides opportunities for students to build their understanding of mathematical concepts and ample practice to master important skills. Most importantly, all concepts are taught through and practiced within a strong problem-solving environment, insuring that students become life-long problem solvers. Some examples of specific concepts and skills which students are to master are provided in the topic areas listed below: Operations and Algebraic Thinking Represent and solve problems involving addition and subtraction Apply properties of operations and the relationship between addition and subtraction Add and subtract within 20 Work with addition and subtraction equations Number and Operations in Base Ten Extend the counting sequence Understand place value Use place value understanding and properties of operations to add and subtract Measurement and Data Graphing: organize, represent and interpret data Tell and write time in hours and half-hours (using analog and digital clocks) Measure lengths indirectly and by repeating length units Geometry Reason with geometric shapes and their attributes 4
Science In first grade, students continue to learn that living things grow, change, are diverse, interdependent and interact with the changing environment. The earth and our universe are constantly changing; energy and matter interact causing change in our physical world. Students attend the science lab weekly for a more hands-on exploration of the skills taught. In class the students develop and use basic process skills as they learn, investigate, hypothesize, evaluate, and build an understanding of the science process. Science news related topics along with child initiated topics are incorporated into the curriculum. Some examples of specific concepts and skills which students are to master are provided in the topic areas listed below: Science Inquiry Ask meaningful questions and perform investigations Record observations and data with pictures, numbers and/or written statements Physical Science States of matter: solids, liquids, gases Measurement Sound and volume Light and heat Magnets and their effects Energy Life Science Investigate plants and animals in their habitats Living and non-living things Parts of the human body and basic functions Life cycle of living things Earth and Space Science Weather patterns Seasons Explore sunlight, water and soil 5
Social Studies In first grade, student build upon skills learned in kindergarten in order to identify concepts of continuity and change in their personal environments, identify and describe people, events, and symbols that are important to the United States, recognize and use basic geographic tools to organize and interpret information about people, places, and environments, develop an understanding of the purpose and structure of government and their role as a responsible citizen, and explain the economic concepts of goods and services within their school and community. Some examples of specific concepts and skills which students are to master are provided in the topic areas listed below: Chronological Thinking Skills Construct personal timelines that highlight past and present events Create a primary source of personal information Compare and contrast lifestyles of the past to the present Historical Thinking Skills Identify and explain the importance of American heroes, symbols, landmarks, and patriotic songs Describe reasons for celebrating events commemorated in national holidays Maps, Globes, and Environment Identify a representation of a location/space on a map/globe Identify simple map symbols, compass rose (cardinal directions), and key/legend Use mental mapping (visualizing details of a place or location out of one s sight) to develop a basic map of local places Identify basic landforms using a globe or map (oceans, islands, mountains, rivers) Describe the impact that seasons have on daily activities and on the physical environment in various regions Compare and contrast local traditions/celebrations, customs, languages, and foods as an introduction to culture Explain ways in which people rely on the environment to meet the basic human needs of food, clothing, and shelter Describe how the environment determines various types of human shelters Identify by name the town/city, parish, state, and country in which the student lives Predict ways human actions impact the environment Government and Citizenship Students develop an understanding of the purpose and structure of government and their role as a responsible citizen. Grade-Level Expectations Examples 6
Government and Citizenship Develop a list of rules for the classroom and describe their benefits/consequences State examples of rules and laws in the home, school, and community and explain their purposes Identify the current mayor, governor, and president Describe the student's role, rights, and responsibilities as a citizen of the class, the school, and the community Basic Economic Concepts Identify ways to save money Distinguish between needs/wants of people by responding to real life situations Distinguish between goods and services Identify jobs and industries within the school and community Identify ways people exchange/trade goods and services 7