Language Arts

The first grade reading curriculum incorporates a broad variety of methods and materials designed to best meet the needs of each individual student. Phonics skills are taught through the use of quality children's literature, basal readers, poetry, music, small group lessons, and whole class activities. Experience in comprehension and story analysis is provided through whole class activities as well as small group discussions. In first grade we focus on the folktale genre in literature and students use this knowledge to write their own folktales.

Students begin writing the first day of school. Initially, the students will use phonetic spelling when they are writing stories, recording in journals, and responding to literature of events. However, as the year progresses, students will begin to build and expand on their "book spelling" abilities by learning to correctly spell words. Students will focus on consistently spelling Rockwood core words correctly in their everyday writing. Children will also be learning word families (rimes), such as the "at" family: bat, chat, fat, splat. A variety of activities including spelling practice, word wall, charting, and word games will be used to facilitate student learning.

Students will learn the essential elements of a story, such as beginning, middle, and end. They will use this knowledge of story structure to create both class and individual stories. Throughout the year, they will learn more about the writing process and publish their own books.

"The more you read,
 The more you know.
 The more you know,
 The smarter you grow.
 The smarter you grow,
 The stronger your voice,
 When speaking your mind
 And making your choice."

     -- Author Unknown

Spelling

Rockwood Core Spelling Words

Core words must be a part of the students' sight vocabulary for reading before they even begin to learn how to spell and use these words correctly. The following lists are the core words that students will learn to consistently spell correctly in their daily writing.

In addition, the students will learn to spell topical words that are related to particular concepts or themes being studied across the curriculum. They will also learn word families (rimes) such as the "at" family.

Kindergarten words to review:

the	and	a	in
is	you	it	at
I	we	can	like
see	my	me

First Grade Words to Learn:

of	to	that	he
for	was	on	are
as	with	his	they
be	this	from	have
or	by	one	had
not	but	what	all
were	when	there	an
your	said

Mathematics

The first grade math curriculum is taught utilizing a variety of methods and materials that will challenge all students. Students learn and reinforce skills through the use of manipulatives, games, and technology.

A main focus of basic fact instruction is the teaching of addition and subtraction strategies. Some strategies may include use of number line, touch math, counting on, counting back, doubles, and fact families.

They will practice concepts through various oral and written experiences. Problem solving, critical thinking, and logical reasoning skills are emphasized.

Topics covered include:

• Counting 0-100 by 1's, 2's, 5's, 10's
• Addition and subtraction
• Calendar
• Graphing
• Place value
• Money
• Time/measurement
• Fractions
• Geometry

Science

"Science is not a subject, it is a way of looking at the world around us. Good science teaching helps children develop ways of finding out what makes things happen and what happens if..."
-- Verne Rockcastle

The natural curiosity burning inside first graders fuels their eagerness to explore their environment by working with materials and tools, asking questions, and searching for explanations.

The first grade science curriculum actively engages students in hands-on minds-on learning experiences ranging from exploration and inquisition to investigation and experimentation. Students will use science process skills such as: observing, comparing, classifying and predicting to generalize patterns and relationships detected in their world. Through the scientific method, students will ask questions, formulate explanations, test those explanations (theories), observe the results, draw inferences and conclusions and communicate their findings and ideas to others.

The first grade science curriculum focuses on the following topics:

• Scientific Process Skills (class experiments, predicting, measuring, graphing, interpreting, communicating observations)
  
• Living Systems (characteristics, compare/contrast species: movement, diet, protection of self & home, habitat)
  
• Ecology (living things survive in environments where needs are met)
  
• Earth Processes (rocks, minerals, soil, fossils)
  
• Universe (objects in sky, relationships Sun, Earth, Moon, day & night)
  
• Force & Motion (types, relative position, magnets)

Science is more than a body of knowledge ... it is a way of thinking.

Social Studies

The first grade social studies curriculum provides opportunities for children to explore the world around them.

Students will compare their families and traditions to others around the world. Through citizenship, students will learn how to get along with others in our classroom, school and community.

We will learn about our country rich history and how it impacts our lives today. Important historical figures, symbols and events will be introduced to the students. Students will also participate in a mock election to simulate the upcoming election.

While exploring the world around us, students will use maps and globes. They will learn directions, map keys, and the compass rose.

To gain a better understanding of how our community functions, students will learn about how their needs and wants are met.

Students will experience these concepts through various activities including independent projects, reading, research, and technology.

Independent Study Projects

Each month, every child will have the opportunity to complete an independent study project related to a concept that is currently being studied. A letter explaining the topic choices, offering some project ideas, and stating the due dates will be sent home along with a learning contract and a "Resident Expert" planner form.

The purpose is to challenge students to become "Resident Experts" by learning new material that enriches and extends their knowledge of topics related to the social studies or science curriculum. Students choose how to share the information they have learned with the class which enables them to utilize their multiple intelligences. Students also learn to work independently, take responsibility, manage a "long term" project, and utilize a variety of resources available to them (i.e. prior knowledge, reference materials, technology, adult experts, etc.) to solve problems.

Completion of an independent study project is encouraged, but is completely optional. (You may choose to complete one in September and then not choose to do another one until January.)

Please encourage your child to choose a project that is manageable. As you will see, students are encouraged to present the information they have learned in creative ways, such as songs, posters, video presentations, etc.

At the end of the month, students who completed independent study projects will share them with their classmates. These students will also receive certificates for successfully completing their projects.

Completing a project and presenting the information to the class enhances students' growth, not only in the academic areas, but in listening and speaking behaviors as well.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if this independent study project became a family learning experience with your first grader as the "Resident Expert" and "Project Manager?"