1st Grade
1st Grade Curriculum Facts
Math- In Grade 1 instructional time will focus on four critical areas:
1. developing understanding of addition, subtraction, and strategies for addition and subtraction with 20
2. developing understanding of whole number relationships and place value, including grouping in tens and ones
3. developing understanding of measurement, time and money
4. reasoning about attributes of geometric shapes
ELA- First grade English Language Arts (ELA) includes reading, writing, speaking, listening and viewing. In first grade, students will develop the skills necessary to become independent readers and writers. Students will learn and apply strategies for recognizing the sounds that make up words in order to decode more complex words. In addition, students will develop sight word recognition using the Dolch word lists. Students will explore a variety of reading genre and will learn and apply various comprehension strategies such as compare and contrast, cause and effect, and main idea and details, predicting and retelling using the elements of story structure. Students will learn to write for a variety of purposes producing original works of personal narrative, poetry and non-fiction/research.
Social Studies- In first grade, students continue to explore the social studies disciplines of history, geography, civics and government, and economics through an integrated approach using the context of school and families. This is the students' first introduction to social institutions as they draw upon knowledge learned in kindergarten to develop more sophisticated understandings of each discipline.
Science- Processes: Inquiry Process, Inquiry Analysis and Communication, Reflection and Social Implications.
Students in first grade will use their five senses in science observations and investigations. They will explore subject matter through their natural curiosity which will develop student understanding and skills in making observations, generating questions, planning and conducting simple investigations, and presentation of findings.
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The first grade students will be required to make careful and purposeful observations in order to raise questions, investigate and make meaning of their findings. Using the scientific method they will explore: Physical science (properties of matter), Life science (organization of living things and heredity) and Earth science (earth systems).
World Language: Spanish-In first grade, students are introduced to the language and cultures of the Spanish speaking countries. The focus is on learning vocabulary that students can use to engage in basic conversations that are meaningful to them. They learn words and short phrases that they can use to greet one another; talk about how they are feeling; describe the weather; use calendar skills; and talk about their family, their pets, and their community.
Art-In first grade, students begin to develop an understanding of visual art through the experimental use of a variety of art techniques and tools. Students are introduced to the ideas of texture, symmetry, and form through both drawing and working with three dimensional materials. Beginning ideas about color theory, including a study of the color wheel, warm and cool colors, and color mixing are introduced. Also, students begin to explore art history through an examination of famous artists such as Henri Matisse and Eric Carle.
Music-Music is a popular class at Memorial Elementary. Students learn how to perform as a class, as well as individually. They also learn basic concepts of music, such as counting, listening, and singing. Students enjoy music, and it shows in their performances throughout the year. First grade students perform a Winter Concert and a Spring Musical.
Technology-First grade students begin to develop essential skills needed to operate a computer as a tool of learning, to be able to publish work and to solve problems. The students become familiar with the Michigan Cyber Safety Initiatives. Learning how to word process, basic keyboarding, and digital citizenship are among the many topics covered in technology class.
Physical Education-The first grade Physical Education/Health Curriculum is designed to help students develop the knowledge, fitness levels, motor skills, and personal and social skills to obtain the ultimate goal of a lifetime of physical activity and health.