The language arts curriculum is designed to be a balanced literacy program including teacher read-alouds, shared reading and writing, guided reading, and independent reading and writing. Instruction in 1^st grade will focus on development of the following learning competencies:

• using phonics knowledge of sound-letter relationships to decode regular one-syllable words
• using prior knowledge and experiences to anticipate vocabulary in new text
• reading aloud independently with fluency and comprehension any text appropriate for emerging readers
• increasing vocabulary, reading ease, and concepts by reading self-selected texts independently for 15 minutes daily
• using active listening skills
• retelling or summarizing main points
• responding to oral directions
• composing a variety of products: stories, journal entries, letters, response logs, poems, etc.
• using complete sentences to write simple texts
• using basic capitalization and punctuation
• using phonic knowledge and basic patterns to spell correctly three & four letter words
• applying phonics to write independently using temporary and/or conventional spelling
• writing all upper and lower case letters using correct letter formation and spacing

• using reasoning abilities to perceive patterns, justify strategies, and evaluate the reasonableness of answers
• communicating mathematically using words, numbers, symbols, pictures, and models
• explaining solutions to simple mathematical problems using mathematical vocabulary, symbols, and notation
• solving addition and subtraction problems using 2 and 3 digit numbers
• describing, modeling, drawing, and classifying two and three dimensional figures including cone, sphere, cylinder & prism
• selecting and using appropriate units and tools of measurement
• demonstrating knowledge of simple measuring relationships: days, weeks, months, years, pennies, nickels, dimes, etc.
• collecting and organizing data through simple graphs
• making and interpreting tally charts, bar graphs, and picture graphs
• recognizing basic number patterns
• using appropriate mathematical symbolism to represent problem situations and solutions
• solving problems orally and pictorially and justifying their thinking

• asking questions about natural phenomena: trees, shadows and light, magnets, water
• sorting living things in groups using various properties to decide which things belong to separate groups
• describing features of plants and animals that help them survive in different environments
• asking questions about the properties of common objects
• describing the properties of objects and materials
• investigating earth materials—rocks, soil, water
• using technology and tools to gather data

Science units taught in 1^st grade include

• Life Cycles: New Plants
• Investigating Water
• Properties

• Knowing Myself & My Family
• Knowing My Growing World
• Being a Citizen at School
• Being a Citizen in our Community and the World

• distinguishing between a neighborhood, city, state, country, and the world
• exploring similarities and differences of individuals
• exploring similarities and differences of families
• investigating how people depend upon each other
• investigating a variety of people and cultures
• using and interpreting information from globes, maps, charts, and graphs

Art

• The 1^st grade art program is one in which students will discover
• elements of design such as line, shape, color, space, and texture
• principles of design such as light and dark
• using natural or man-made forms for subject matter
• techniques in painting, drawing, cutting, tearing, and gluing using a variety of media

• musical elements including rhythm, melody, tempo, and dynamics
• proper singing techniques

The 1^st grade physical education program promotes the continuing development of the whole child through non-competitive activities which include rhythmic activities, fitness activities, and the development of ball-handling skills. Through health instruction, students learn about

• the roles of fire, police, and paramedic personnel
• noise pollution and conservation of electricity
• role of the family in maintaining physical and mental health
• identifying and sharing feelings in appropriate ways
• home and school safety
• using non-threatening words and actionsto solve problems
• cleanliness in food handling
• positive behaviors to promote personal health
• labeling safe and unsafe substances
• dangerous plants

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• at-risk programming
• gifted and talented identification and programming
• guidance and counseling curriculum and services
• library/media services and resources, including technology education
• special education programming and services
• Contact your school principal for further information about any program.