•  

     

    THE FIRST GRADE CURRICULUM 

    READING

    The goal in first grade is to have every child develop a love for reading and enter second grade reading on or above grade level, with both fluency and comprehension.  While working to achieve this goal, the children will be exposed to and read a variety of genres and authors throughout the school year. 

    WRITING

       Using the Writing Process, each child will publish several writing pieces throughout the school year.  The goal in first grade is for each child to become an independent writer that utilizes the basic proper writing mechanics, spells age/grade appropriate words correctly and uses correct punctuation.

     

    MATHEMATICS

    The mathematics program we use is called Everyday Mathematics.  This unique program involves a spiraling of many mathematical concepts that are introduced and reintroduced throughout the year.  This program allows children to learn new skills and concepts, provides thinking practice and develops problem-solving skills.  All of the activities and assignments are hands-on and involve various manipulatives to enhance the children’s learning.  The lessons are often designed to relate to what is happening in the children’s lives outside of school, tying mathematics to the real world.  The following concepts will be taught this year: counting, comparing, grouping, tallying, patterns, addition, subtraction, number sense (understanding numbers and number relationships), geometry, attributes, place value, time, money and measurement.

                      

    SOCIAL STUDIES

    Our social studies curriculum covers a variety of topics. Our social studies curriculum teaches children to understand, respect and celebrate individualism and diversity through an “All About Me” unit.  Our “Citizenship” study reinforces the importance of being a good, responsible citizen and addresses the different roles and jobs that are required to make a community run smoothly and effectively.  Our “Geography” unit teaches the children how to read and create maps, keys and legends. And our “World Culture” unit explores the customs and cultures of other countries around the world. 

     

    SCIENCE

    The three units that will be investigated and explored this year are “Water,”  “Weather” and “Underwater Ecosystems.”  During each unit of study, the children become scientists and investigators through a variety of hands-on experiences and experiments.  To enhance our curriculum, the children will visit The Tenafly Nature Center to study the change in seasons several times throughout the school year.

     

            TECHNOLOGY

    The children will learn how to successfully operate a computer and will practice keyboarding/mouse skills using Microsoft Word, Type to Learn Jr. and KidPix Studios.  In addition, the children will have the opportunity to use various, educational software on a regular basis as an enrichment tool to their everyday learning. 

     

     

     

     

                                 HOMEWORK

     

          To reinforce what is being taught in class, I will send home weekly “Homework Packets.”  Homework assignments are given in a packet form to allow children to work at their own pace and give them some flexibility to complete it around their busy schedules.  Homework is always due on a Friday, unless another day is specified at the top of the packet.  If your child completes their homework early, it can be handed in before the due date, as long as it has been reviewed and signed by a parent.  The children should be able to complete the majority of the homework independently and with ease.

     

       BUDDIES

     

    Our Buddies are in Mrs. Lander’s fourth grade class. 
    Each first grade child is paired with a fourth grade
    buddy, and once a week, both classes gather in one
    classroom to read, write and do special projects and activities together.  In addition, we will have several celebrations throughout the school year together.