About 1st Grade in North Carolina

First grade is a pivotal year where young learners develop foundational academic skills and gain confidence as emerging scholars.

Reading & Writing

Students begin to build fluency and comprehension, focusing on:

• Identifying key details and retelling stories

• Recognizing the differences between fiction and nonfiction

• Writing short, structured sentences or narratives

• Using proper grammar, punctuation, and capitalization
  
  

Math

Mathematical thinking is strengthened through:

• Counting and comparing numbers up to 150

• Understanding place value

• Basic addition and subtraction strategies

• Working with word problems and number patterns
  
  

Science

Hands-on inquiries spark curiosity as students explore:

• Observing plants, animals, and living things

• Exploring simple weather patterns

• Learning about basic forces like pushes and pulls
  
  

Social Studies

Students gain awareness through:

• Understanding roles within their community

• Learning about families, traditions, and local history

• Developing map-reading and geography basics
  
  

The 1st Grade Experience

This year fosters independence, collaboration, and thoughtful learning. Teachers and families partner to encourage success in school and at home.

Official NC DPI Quick Reference Guide

For a detailed breakdown of academic standards across all subject areas, here’s the 2025 Quick Reference Guide for 1st Grade:

Download the 2025 Quick Reference Guide – Grade 1 (PDF)