READING

Our balanced reading program includes a wide range of reading experiences, including reading to children, reading with children, and independent reading by children. The skills of literacy are developed, practiced and reinforced in the context of interacting with a wide range of literature. Our reading program is divided into three parts: independent practice, small skills groups (guided reading), and whole group reading process sessions.

The skills group is somewhat like a traditional reading group (it is grouped homogeneously). The skills (i.e. phonics, decoding) are taught in the context of a complete book.

The large group reading session consists of instruction using anchor texts of all genres. Comprehension strategies and characteristics of a good reader are modeled to enhance independent reading behaviors and develop metacognitive skills needed by critical thinkers. Thinking Maps will be utilized to share the critical thinking process in written form.

A first grader is considered to be proficient at the end of the school year when he/she:

· Reads independently at an IRLA level of 2B or above

· Approaches familiar text with confidence

· Uses strategies to develop literal comprehension and fluency

· Uses phonetic/decoding skills (long vowel, blends, middle consonant and word families

· Retells in sequential order with beginning, middle and end

· Identifies characters, setting and main idea

· Makes predictions

· Begins to recognize problem/solution

· Makes text-to-text connections

· With teacher guidance, begins to understand cause and effect

· Describes visual images when given few picture clues

· Begins to distinguish fact from fantasy

· Draws conclusions

· Expands sight word vocabulary

· Applies strategies when unknown words interfere with reading

· Begins to identify favorite authors

· Reads silently for short periods of time when encouraged

· Reads high-frequency words in context

· Independently selects appropriate texts

WRITING

A balanced writing program also consists of writing to children, writing with children, and writing by children. Children are exposed to a variety of genres such as poetry, non-fiction and personal narratives. Teachers think aloud while modeling writing using quality children's literature as a guide. Shared writing experiences build skills that are later applied into independent work.

MATHEMATICS

Children’s earliest experiences with mathematics build the foundation for the work they will be asked to do in coming years. If children are to be successful in the study of mathematics, it is vital that the mathematics they learn be meaningful to them. Composing and decomposing numbers are skills that all mathematicians use as they compute. Mastery of the facts starts at the conceptual level as children learn about numbers and are integrated in many ways to build solid number sense. Bridges in Mathematics is a standards based curriculum that follows NCTM (The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) guidelines. Other supplemental programs are utilized to meet individual needs. Our focus is to build solid conceptual understanding of foundational skills and strategies in mathematics.

SCIENCE

We utilize scientific inquiry using the FOSS program as our basis for instruction. Children are active participants in hands-on exploration and content is integrated throughout the day. We will study insects and plants (Life Science), Pebbles, Sand, and Silt (Earth Science), and Solids and Liquids (Physical Science).

SOCIAL STUDIES

We utilize the Inquiry Journeys Social Studies Curriculum. This curriculum uses an inquiry process in which students uncover meaning through student-centered activities and rich, rigorous investigations. Throughout the First Grade school year, we will explore the following units of study:

Families Near and Far: Students will learn about families near and far, traditions, and roles and responsibilities. The inquiry question is: How can we bring families together to form a stronger community?

Our Special Location: Students will explore how the natural features and people in the community make it special, in addition to its unique location. The inquiry question is: How can we help others appreciate our special location?

Civic Engagement: Students will learn about rights and responsibilities as members of a community, along with the many different ways that citizens can stand up for the good of their community. Students will reflect upon how and why it is important to take civic action and work together to stand up for fairness. The inquiry question is: How can we work together for the good of the community?

MUSIC/PHYSICAL EDUCATION/ART/STEM

Music, Physical Education, Art and STEM are on a rotating basis. Please consult the schedule and help your child to wear the proper footwear on P.E. days.