Grade One Program
Reading: Facilitating Growth Towards Richer Literacy
Writing: Strengthening the Writing Foundation in Grade 1
Mathematics: Exploring the World of Numbers in Grade One
Social Studies: The Art of Being a Whole Person in an Interconnected World
Social Emotional Learning: Nurturing Emotional Growth in Grade One
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In Grade 1, students advance their reading skills through the "Reading Workshop" model, which integrates the Heggerty Phonics program for a robust literacy foundation. Heggerty Phonics emphasizes systematic phonemic awareness and phonics instruction, essential for developing early reading skills. This approach helps students decode words efficiently and build strong word recognition, fostering fluency and comprehension.
Our comprehensive reading curriculum combines daily direct lessons, individual teacher-student conferences, dedicated reading time, and reflective activities. This blend of instruction reinforces skills and strategies while nurturing a genuine passion for reading.
As Grade 1 students dive into various reading units, they explore critical questions such as:
- How do phonics skills contribute to compelling reading?
- What strategies help us decode and understand new words?
- Why is it important to share and discuss our reading experiences? What tools and resources can enrich our reading journey?
- How can technology improve our spelling, phonics, and overall literacy development?
- How can we use reading to explore and understand the world around us?
- What makes a book engaging, and how can we choose "just right" books?
Students build a strong literacy foundation and develop a lifelong love for reading by beginning to explore these questions.
Writing: Strengthening the Writing Foundation in Grade 1
In Grade 1, our writing instruction is designed to build a solid foundation for effective communication and creative expression. The program integrates various components, including journaling, handwriting practice, and maintaining a portfolio of individual student work. These elements are supported by direct instruction lessons, personalized teacher-student conferences, and regular sharing of student writing samples to reinforce skills, strategies, and good writing habits.
As students explore diverse writing units, they delve into essential questions such as:
- How can we connect our handwriting practice to everyday writing tasks?
- Why is it crucial to express our thoughts and ideas through writing?
- Who is our intended audience, and how does it affect our writing style?
- What resources and tools can enhance our writing experience?
- How can we use graphic organizers to structure our ideas?
- What makes a piece of writing engaging and clear?
Grade 1 students build appreciation for writing through authentic activities that provide real-world context and relevance. Engaging activities support student understanding by allowing them to see the practical applications of their writing, engage with varied audiences, and reflect on their growth.
Mathematics: Exploring the World of Numbers in Grade One
In Grade One, our mathematics curriculum focuses on expanding students' understanding of fundamental concepts and applying math to real-world situations. The curriculum builds on prior knowledge and introduces key topics such as calendar skills, estimation, money, place value up to 100, addition and subtraction, telling time, volume, mass, and area. Utilizing Envision Math principles, we emphasize hands-on activities and interactive learning to deepen students' mathematical comprehension.
Students engage in personalized online learning to support their individual needs and strengthen their math skills.
This approach helps Grade 1 students explore essential questions, including:
- What can numbers represent better than words?
- How does creating our math problems enhance our problem-solving abilities?
- Why is math a crucial part of our daily lives?
- Who are our essential resources in developing a solid math foundation?
- How can we actively participate in online math learning and support our peers?
Students develop a robust understanding of numeracy and see how it applies to their everyday experiences. This enables them to solve real-world problems, make informed decisions, and appreciate the relevance of math in various aspects of daily life.
Social Studies: The Art of Being a Whole Person in an Interconnected World
Grade One supports each child's curiosity about groups outside their family. From working alongside our Service Learning initiatives, participating in school-wide events to help and care for others, and learning how to collaborate within the classroom, Grade One students are connected to the larger community.
Through the study of various inquiry units, students acquire content knowledge and begin to answer some of the following questions:
- When can we bring families together to build stronger communities?
- What does diversity bring to our families and communities?
- How can we help others appreciate our special location?
- How does the environment shape our life here in the Bay Area?
- When are our community’s wants and needs met?
- How do we work together for the good of the community?
- What can we do to stand up for fairness?
- How do citizens in a community make informed choices?
In Grade One, our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum addresses students' emotional needs through various strategies and practices. We prioritize whole-class meetings, engaging read-aloud, and various self-regulation tools to support emotional development. Our intentional morning meetings set a tone of acceptance and well-being, helping students feel secure and valued as they start their day.
Aligned with the Institute for Social Emotional Learning (IFSEL) tenets, our approach integrates key questions and discussions into daily activities to foster self-awareness, empathy, and social responsibility.
Students regularly explore questions such as:
- How can I support a friend who is feeling upset?
- What role do I play as an essential member of our classroom community?
- Who are the trusted adults that I can turn to when I need emotional support?
- What strategies and tools can help me succeed in various activities?
By embedding these questions into our routine, we aim to cultivate a supportive classroom environment where students develop emotional resilience, strong interpersonal skills, and a sense of belonging. This holistic approach helps Grade One students navigate their emotional landscape and build meaningful connections with themselves and others.
