As the year begins, all first graders are excited about learning to read. Some students are discovering the secrets of decoding, while others continue to refine their reading skills. Although reading and mathematics are at the core of the first grade curriculum, there are numerous activities which enhance our daily learning as well as reinforce what is learned in the core curriculum of reading and mathematics.

In the fall, the children explore land and sea animals, as well as endangered animals. A trip to the Philadelphia Zoo, writing books and other projects complete these units of study.

A highlight of the holiday season is the tradition of first grade students creating candy houses. Wintertime also finds the first graders exploring their own uniqueness' through poetry and "Me Bags". The addition of a "problem of the day" book provides new opportunities for each student to use learned mathematical skills.

Spring brings the excitement of castles, knights and royalty. Our study of medieval times includes a trip to the Philadelphia Museum of Art , dioramas, and a research project with the Sixth Grade students. The grand finale is our participation in the Sixth Grade Medieval Festival. As the year ends, first grade students have discovered the fun of learning.

Language Arts Philosophy

The first grade language arts program is designed to address a variety of reading levels from the pre-readiness to above grade level. We want the children to experience the excitement of reading a variety of materials and to develop a lifelong love of reading. The students are immersed in numerous interdisciplinary experiences allowing for the growth and strengthening of their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.

Reading

The emphasis on phonemic awareness and phonics allows the students to develop an understanding of the basic sound/symbol system for decoding words. Through the use of mini-books, literature-based readers and classroom books, the students improve their quality to decode and read words.
As the students progress through the reading of and listening to familiar and unfamiliar folk tales, fables and realistic fiction, they acquire strategies for gathering information and exploring story elements.
Through workbook activities and teacher-generated materials like word finds, hidden pictures, short directed books and games, the students continue to develop their decoding and encoding as well as show their understanding of the written word.

On a daily basis the students learn the importance and necessity of fluency and expression when the teacher reads a wealth of material.

Writing

As the first graders begin to read short sentences they understand the elements necessary to write a sentence. Through direct teaching and further exposure, each student will learn to write a complete sentence using correct punctuation and capitalization.
Students develop their written work by using teacher-generated materials and reading workbook activities. They begin to learn the importance of the written word as they strive to respond to questions asked.

Students discover their writing styles through journal and book writing experiences. The use of brainstorming in the form of guided class discussions allows the students to recognize the importance of using a beginning, middle and end to each story.

Spelling

The students will master, with consistency, a biweekly spelling list of six words taken from a list of high frequency words used in everyday reading and writing. The students are held accountable for the correct spelling of these words in their daily work. The students learn about alphabetizing these words and practice their dictionary skills.

Math

The first grade mathematics program is designed to meet the needs of all students. Concepts and skills are taught systematically using a step-by-step approach. We believe the use of concrete representations to teach concepts ensures an understanding and enables the students to develop a strong foundation upon which to build. Focusing on problem-solving and reasoning provides numerous opportunities for students to demonstrate theory concept understanding.

Social Studies

The first grade social studies program is integrated with the language arts program. The social studies program aims to develop an awareness of self and others in the student's immediate world and in medieval times. The students gain an understanding of what makes humans special as a group and as individuals. An exploration of the animal kingdom further develops their understanding of the world around them. They learn to work toward cooperation and understanding one's responsibilities in a small group and as part of the world.

Special Events

Trips

Field trips to the Philadelphia Zoo, Art Museum, and the theatre are integrated with the social studies curriculum.

Medieval Research Project with the Sixth Grade

First grade students, together with their sixth grade, partner research a medieval topic. The facts gathered are used to write a paragraph and then the students draw a picture together. The first graders present their projects to each other.

Medieval Festival

First grade students participate in the sixth grade Medieval Festival. They serve as pages, recite a poem and open the festivities.