First grade is centered on literacy.  Even though most students’ language skills are just emerging, First grade has a rich literary environment.  Students read fiction and non-fiction books and then extend their reading in many ways.  For example, after reading the book Flat Stanley, they write to friends and relatives all around the country asking them to add to Stanley’s adventures.  Occasionally, students are asked to add a scene to a story such as Fox and Bear.

Writing also plays a big part of First grade work.  They write about a famous African American and present them orally.  Most recently thirteen students were honored with national publication of their poetry.  Phonics is also taught, as well as spelling through an individualized program that begins second semester.  Reader’s Theater, performed by the children in the classroom, helps promote fluency and comfort with being in front of the class.  Live theater performances introduce drama at an early age and models good public speaking.

First grade science is an introduction to the amazing natural world.  Watching hatching chicks right in the classroom is an experience students will never forget.  Creating food pyramid sandwiches helps students remember to make healthy food choices.  A visit to the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum brings other science concepts to life with fun and engaging exhibits.  In the Saxon math program, interactive teaching methods and materials help young students to understand the concepts and see how math really works.  It has consistent, cumulative review of the concepts taught and encourages memorization of math facts early in the students’ school career. 

Spiritual training is also an important facet of First grade learning.  Studying Old Testament figures such as Adam, Eve, Noah, Jacob, Joseph and Moses creates a foundation of biblical knowledge.  The use of other media sparks inquisitiveness and curiosity about biblical truths.  Memorization of scripture is also a regular part of school, along with Created to Create, a fun application of favorite memory verses. 

An integral part of First grade training is developing good learning habits such as listening and requires students to use developing skills to solve problems and answer questions.  These habits help foster responsibility and confidence.  I encourage parents to help students be responsible for their learning by teaching parents how to ask subject specific questions so that learning can extend beyond the classroom.  For example, instead of asking, “What did you do today?” and receiving a typical response like “Nothing?”  I would suggest that parents ask, “What are two things you learned about an addition number sentence?”  Parents already know the answers to the question because they are madly reading the GradeOne Gazette on Edline, which is a sneak peak into my lesson plans for the week.

In addition, Family Fun Nights are designed and planned, once a month, by parents to create school fellowship in a relaxed chaotic environment.  First grade builds an excellent foundation for the growing elementary student.