Math:
Our math curriculum Math in Focus follows the Singapore Math model. This approach addresses fewer topics in greater depth, focuses on Common Core math concepts, develops concepts to mastery through a focus on problem solving, uses visual models for presenting concepts, and focuses on a meaningful transition to the abstract. In first grade children work to develop an understanding of the following mathematical principles:
Units of Study:
CC Standards addressed:
http://www.corestandards.org/Math/Content/1/introduction/
Literacy:
First grade is a time of tremendous growth in literacy! Students typically enter first grade reading level A/B/C/D texts independently, and the end of the year goal is for children to leave first grade reading at least level I/J books independently. Our Lucy Calkins’ Reading Workshop curriculum is designed to help your child move up seven (or more!) reading levels. Each day we will:
CC Standards addressed:
http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RL/1/
http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RI/1/
http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RF/1/
Units of Study:
Writing:
First graders love to write! Our Writing Workshop curriculum provides multiple opportunities for your child to write each day. These opportunities include:
CC Standards addressed:
http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/W/1/
Units of Study:
Phonics:
Phonics instruction supports students’ progress in reading and writing. There will be at least 15 minutes of direct instruction when students will engage in letter, word, and sound analysis.
Units of Study:
Social Studies & Science:
This year we will study the world around us while also using our literacy and math skills. We are lucky enough to receive a weekly copy of Scholastic News. This weekly magazine allows us to study and discuss the following first grade state of Illinois Social Studies topics and units:
September
October
November/December
January
Second Step:
This is a new program this year. It is a universal program designed to increase students’ school success and decrease problem behaviors by promoting social-emotional competence and self-regulation. It teaches skills that strengthen students’ ability to learn, have empathy, manage emotions, and solve problems. Equipping students with Second Step skills creates a safer, more respectful learning environment that promotes school success for all. The units include:
Calm Classroom:
Everyday students will engage in a short peaceful time called Calm Classroom where they will work on self-awareness, focus, and emotional resilience.
Our math curriculum Math in Focus follows the Singapore Math model. This approach addresses fewer topics in greater depth, focuses on Common Core math concepts, develops concepts to mastery through a focus on problem solving, uses visual models for presenting concepts, and focuses on a meaningful transition to the abstract. In first grade children work to develop an understanding of the following mathematical principles:
Units of Study:
- Represent and solve problems involving addition and subtraction
- Understand and apply properties of operations and the relationship between addition and subtraction
- Add and subtract within 20
- Extend the counting sequence to 120
- Understand place value
- Use place value understanding and properties of operations to add and subtract
- Measurement and time
- Represent and interpret data
- Reason with shapes and their attributes
CC Standards addressed:
http://www.corestandards.org/Math/Content/1/introduction/
Literacy:
First grade is a time of tremendous growth in literacy! Students typically enter first grade reading level A/B/C/D texts independently, and the end of the year goal is for children to leave first grade reading at least level I/J books independently. Our Lucy Calkins’ Reading Workshop curriculum is designed to help your child move up seven (or more!) reading levels. Each day we will:
- Read independently for about 20 minutes each day
- Read with a partner, listen to reading, and write about reading as part of our balanced literacy framework
- Frequently assess your child’s reading abilities
- Meet with small groups of readers and provide lessons at their instructional level
- Provide children with books at their instructional and independent levels
- Study sight words, phonics, vocabulary, and literature
- Engage your child in digital reading through RAZ-Kids.com
CC Standards addressed:
http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RL/1/
http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RI/1/
http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RF/1/
Units of Study:
- Building Good Reading Habits
- Learning About the World: Reading Non Fiction
- Readers Have Big Jobs to Do: Fluency, Phonics, Comprehension
- Meeting Characters and Learning Lessons: A Study of Story Elements
Writing:
First graders love to write! Our Writing Workshop curriculum provides multiple opportunities for your child to write each day. These opportunities include:
- Learning and carrying out the writing process: brainstorming, writing, revising, editing, and publishing
- Celebrating finished, published pieces and sharing them with their peers, family, and the school community
- Learning to write multiple genres, including: how-to books, persuasive writing, narratives, poems, songs, reviews, and more!
- Using digital tools to research, produce, and publish their writing
- Studying mentor authors
CC Standards addressed:
http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/W/1/
Units of Study:
- Small Moments: Writing with Focus, Detail, and Dialogue
- Writing Non Fiction Chapter Books (All About or How to Books)
- Writing Review or Opinions
- From Scenes to Series: Writing Fiction (Make Believe Stories)
Phonics:
Phonics instruction supports students’ progress in reading and writing. There will be at least 15 minutes of direct instruction when students will engage in letter, word, and sound analysis.
Units of Study:
- Talking and Thinking about Letters
- The Mystery of the Silent E
- From Tip to Tail
- Word Builders
- Marvelous Bloopers
Social Studies & Science:
This year we will study the world around us while also using our literacy and math skills. We are lucky enough to receive a weekly copy of Scholastic News. This weekly magazine allows us to study and discuss the following first grade state of Illinois Social Studies topics and units:
September
- School Rules
- Manners
- Meet an Author
- What Scientists Do
- Presidents’ Day
- Black History Month
- American Symbols
- How It’s Made
October
- Pumpkins
- Autumn Changes
- Fire Safety/Firefighters
- Bats
- Read Across America Day
- Habitats
- Spring Babies
- What’s in the Soil?
November/December
- Veterans Day
- Pilgrims/Wampanoag
- Hibernation
- Science of Light
- Earth Day
- Life Cycle
- Endangered Animals
- Inventions From Nature
January
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- The Science of Sound
- New Year’s Traditions
- Pushes and Pulls
- Summer Sky
- Sharks
- Summer Safety
- Animals Stay Cool
Second Step:
This is a new program this year. It is a universal program designed to increase students’ school success and decrease problem behaviors by promoting social-emotional competence and self-regulation. It teaches skills that strengthen students’ ability to learn, have empathy, manage emotions, and solve problems. Equipping students with Second Step skills creates a safer, more respectful learning environment that promotes school success for all. The units include:
- Skills for Learning
- Empathy
- Emotion Management
- Problem Solving
Calm Classroom:
Everyday students will engage in a short peaceful time called Calm Classroom where they will work on self-awareness, focus, and emotional resilience.