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First grade students share their learnings at Bring-A-Parent-to-School Day. |
Language Arts
The language arts program supports the development of the language processes (reading, writing, listening, and oral communication) in ways that are meaningful and purposeful to the students. Literacy contexts are functional, social and useful to the student.
Whole group reading to the children, with the children, and by the children are integral pieces to the reading program in the first grade.
Children express ideas on paper moving through the developmental stages of the writing process in varies formats (this could include daily journal writing, writing connections with thematic units, or stand alone writing projects).
Through the writing process, children grow in all of the language processes. Their writing topics vary from student selected topics or topics that are centered around one of our many integrated themes. They start by creating story web which they brain storm ideas, pre-write rough drafts, conferring with others, and revising and editing their own materials. Their writing focus supports 6 Traits of Writing, writing in complete sentences, and using correct punctuation. Finished products are valued, but it is the process of writing and development of the child as a learner that is emphasized.
In our literacy program, phonics teaching is thoughtfully planned, and it takes place in a wide variety of activities throughout each day. Brain research supports the use of invented spellings as children work to develop word recognition and phonics skills and work to use a greater variety of words in their writing. The students focus on high frequency word work as well as an organized spelling curriculum which supports up-to-date brain research teaching strategies on learning words within the writing process.
The guided reading program at WIS supports small group reading programs which allows the students to read in a small group with the teacher everyday in school at their own individual reading level. The guided reading program is tailored to fit the reading needs of each child. Each week showcases a new book title (fiction and non-fiction) with follow-up activities which target reading comprehension skills, vocabulary, fluency, and writing extension projects.
The literacy units for the first graders include fairy tales. Another unit is an IB unit of inquiry on self-identity and personal characteristics.
Mathematics
Math is an exciting time of discovery during which children use manipulative objects and materials in a variety of hands-on experiences. Children learn to sort objects, identify, create and extend patterns, write and order numbers, use standard and non-standard units of measure, understand place value, money concepts, and solve addition and subtraction facts. Students are encouraged to solve problems and develop their own understandings in a context that is meaningful to them. Enrichment opportunities are offered as a standard part of the lesson rather than only if needed. The students meet in a variety of formats which include whole group instruction, small group instruction, partner activities, as well as seat work targeted to specific skill areas.
Additionally, math concepts are seamlessly taught throughout the day as an integrated concept. Daily calendar activities provide opportunities to teach, reinforce and extend primary math skills such as counting and skip counting, identifying even and odd numbers, creating and recognizing visual and number patterns, keeping a tally, graphing, writing number combinations, and understanding place value.
Science and Social Studies (Thematic Studies)
Our integrated thematic studies units support project based, hands-on learning that incorporates various skills in different themes throughout the year.
The thematic studies program and approach at the first grade level is committed to developing a sense of wonder, excitement, and an awareness of science and the environment. The children are introduced to the scientific process as they observe, classify and order, measure, predict, experiment, and infer. It is important that young children learn to value the natural world and desire to preserve it.
The IB based social studies units are Cities Then and Now, Symbols, Map It. For first graders the IB science units are Properties—Solids, Liquids and Gases; and Reduce, Reuse, Recycle; First graders also study the plant life cycle and aquarium habitat. Central ideas and concepts which support who we are, where we are in place and time, expressing ourselves, how the world works, how we organize ourselves, being a positive global citizen and sharing our planet are key concepts that are fully integrated within each learning inquiry.
Simple stories, songs, rhymes, and plays are the core of the Mandarin/Spanish program with emphasis placed on the communicative skills of listening and speaking. A great deal of repetition of conversational expressions and thematic vocabulary is used in an enjoyable way to allow for student success. Songs, games, and stories from the target culture establish the cultural connections of the program and provide a basis for developing global citizenship.
Studying elements of art, early art and kinds of paintings and sculptures from around the world are the ways that students learn about art in first grade.
They are able to use various materials, the brush, to make controlled strokes; clay, to make pinch pots and simple coil pots and slab constructions or form a piece of "pinched out" sculpture; paint, to mix primary colors to make secondary colors, lighten or darken colors and understand and use crayon resist; and paper, fold; glue; fringe; pleat; tear; and cut various shapes; make 3D paper crafts.
First graders learn about the use of line and shapes in historical artworks; appreciate rhythm in a work of art; understand that form and function go together; see the difference between two-dimensional and three-dimensional work; discuss subject matter in art; understand differences in still life, portrait, landscape and seasons. Also they learn how to show space by overlapping, figures smaller in background. and recognize texture and pattern in clothing and in nature.
Art lessons are often integrated with classroom instruction and reflect the interests of the children.
When WIS first graders study the art of various cultures, they begin to gain insight into the beliefs and origins of their own culture, an essential open-minded perspective.
In first grade, music students add body percussion and instruments to their exploration of rhythm. They learn to read rhythmic notation and how to perform in a unison ensemble. Exposure to instruments, composers, and significant works is continued. Folk songs are presented. An emphasis on active listening and being able to describe what they hear is an important part of the music experience in kindergarten.
Physical Education
Movement education is the primary focus at the primary level (Pre-K to Grade 2) which includes activities to develop locomotor, non-locomotor, perceptual-motor, rhythmic, manipulative, fitness and body management skills. Many different kinds of developmental games and activities are planned to provide students with opportunities to work together to improve social and cooperative interaction skills. Students are introduced to basic health-related fitness concepts.
The goal of technology instruction is to enable students and teachers to effectively use the computer and other technology tools to enhance, support and extend students’ learning across the curriculum. Through whole and small group as well as individual instruction, the children develop a vocabulary of basic terminology, learn proper use and care of computers and other tools with increasing independence, and use developmentally appropriate software. This allows them to work on developmentally appropriate multi-media projects, gather information, and explore programs that reinforce skills being learned in the classroom.
Library/Research Skills
The primary goals of the library curriculum are to inspire students to develop a lifelong love of reading and to help them become information literate. Students are introduced to books and have the opportunity to check out books. Individual students, small groups of students or entire classes visit the library as needed to work on library skills and research projects related to classroom units of study.
First graders develop more independence in locating books of interest to them, and develop age-appropriate library skills. When they visit the library for their regularly scheduled classes, first graders listen to books being read aloud, become familiar with authors and illustrators of children’s books, recite poetry, sing songs, participate in choral readings, retell stories with props.
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