C1st

Phonics

The Orton-Gillingham teaching of phonics is implemented throughout the reading program. A weekly spelling test is given according to a sequential study of sounds.

Language Arts

The students will develop strategies and skills to express their ideas in a clear and logical manner. The students will be taught the following methods of writing:

•Formal and informal writing

•Grammar skills which will be incorporated into daily writing exercises

Listening

Daily listening techniques are taught from both the teacher and a tape recorder.

Handwriting

Instruction will focus on proper hand grip and the formation and spacing of letters.

Math

At the elementary level, math topics are introduced, developed and applied throughout each grade level. The aim is to provide a balance between computational skills, conceptual understanding and problem solving, while developing mathematical reasoning and critical thinking skills in order to provide a solid foundation for further education.

During the first grade, students will understand and use place value notation and will begin to develop quantity with numbers and estimation. Through manipulatives, students will explore concepts of measurement, geometry, time, and apply these to real world situations. Students will continue their exploration of money by investigating equivalent quantities of coins. Students will investigate mathematical language and express these to solve word problems.

Social Studies

Students will have a further introduction to:

•Map skills

•Families

•All about me

•International Cultures

•Citizenship

•Economics

•Communities

•Historical Timeline

•Current Events with the Weekly Reader

•Patriotic Holidays

Science

Students will experience hands-on activities in the following areas:

•Growing and changing (Nutrition)

•Living and non-living

•Plants

•Seasons

•Clouds

•Properties of matter - solids, liquids and gases

•Electricity

•Fire Safety

•Five Senses

•Dental Health

•Simple Machines

•Insects

Spanish

•Salutations

•Colors

•Classroom objects

•Numbers 1-20

•Days of the week

•Family members

•Food

•Farm animals

•Cultural notes: “El día de san valentín” & Pascua”

First Grade Curriculum

Reading

Students will develop skills to enjoy age-appropriate literature. They will learn to apply these skills by experiencing the following:

•Print/Book Awareness

•Phonemic awareness

•Letter-sound relationships

•Auditory and visual discrimination

•Alphabetical order

•Comprehension strategies

•Increase Vocabulary

•Use a dictionary/glossary

•Book Buddies with the Sixth Grade