Curriculum

Welcome to our learning adventure.  There is so much we are going to be learning this year.  Please remember to check your child's backpack and yellow folder each night for reading practice.  Please return the book the following day as it will be used during group for comprehension skill practice.  Homework will be coming home on Monday and is due on Friday. 

Math

enVision® Mathematics is our math program.  It combines problem-based learning and visual learning to deepen students' conceptual understanding.  This program supports student learning in print, digital, and blended classrooms.






Literacy
We use a balanced approach to reading which includes guided reading, shared reading, and independent practice. FUNdations is another piece to our literacy block. It is a multi-sensory, structured language program.  It provides research-based materials and strategies essential to a comprehensive reading, spelling, and handwriting program.  The program lays the foundation or life- long literacy.  

The program focuses on:

  • Phonemic awareness
  • Phonics/word study
  • Reading fluency
  • High-Frequency word study
  • Vocabulary
  • Comprehension strategies
  • Handwriting
  • Spelling

We are adding the Wonders program to our Literacy Instruction this year!





Writing
We are using "Thinking Maps" k-5 throughout our curriculum, but especially during writing.  This framework helps kids organize their ideas to help them learn how to write.

Science/Social Studies
Science:  We will be using Stem Scopes to supplement our science curriculum. Units include Life, Earth, and Physical Sciences, such as sound waves and communication, characteristics and structures of living things, and the study of Night and Day.  Throughout the year we also study topics of relevance and interest to our first graders. 

Social Studies:  History, Geography, Economics, and Civics are topics covered in Social Studies.  We also study current events, and topics relevant to the time of year.   



Project-Based Learning

Many of you have heard about our Project Based learning projects.  Some of the projects we do in first grade are Wolfpack Pride, Make a Plan, Wall of Fame, and Once Upon a First Grade Year.










Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
In Focus is our school-wide program that focuses on helping students practice using social and emotional skills.