Grade 1

First  graders explore the world around them through a hands-on approach that fosters the development of science skills, including the ability to observe, classify, question, experiment, record and analyze. Experiments and investigations are designed around topics relevant to the children's experiences of the world, with major units focusing on aquatic habitats, solids and liquids, and air and weather. Many of their studies take children outside the classroom as they investigate real-world variables and develop a sense of environmental awareness. 

A favorite experience for many students is the creation of tabletop aquatic habitats. Children make predictions about how organisms like fish, snails, and bloodworms will behave and interact, then observe and record their discoveries in science notebooks. During the winter term, first graders discover the properties of solids and liquids through numerous tactile investigations. In the spring, they study air and weather, building various air-catching devices (such as parachutes and helicopters) and observing cloud structures, noting how certain clouds correlate with certain weather patterns.

Oral and written expression are the focus of instruction in 1st grade. First grade reading instruction occurs in both individual and small group formats. Children meet daily for direct instruction and skills practice. Groups are fluid; as skills emerge, group configurations change. Groups read together, make predictions, discuss stories, practice retelling and play games that target and reinforce specific skills. Teachers select books that are “just-right”  for each child to help them build fluency and gain independence. Daily teacher read-alouds are an important (and beloved) part of the 1st grade experience.

In writing, children share interests and personal experiences. They explore a variety of genres, including personal narratives, short stories, poetry and informational writing. Young writers are encouraged to employ a broad vocabulary in their writing and to spell phonetically as they learn conventional spelling rules. The Fundations program provides a framework for teaching grammar rules and phonological awareness. Another component of our program is visual literacy: using images to help frame a piece of writing. Whether planning on a storyboard or studying a painting from the Yale Center for British Art, students consider the ways that a picture can “paint a thousand words.”

First graders continue to build on the foundational numeracy skills introduced in Kindergarten. Children handle materials, manipulate shapes and objects, and observe mathematics in daily activities. As they work with increasingly complex patterns, students explore numerical sequences and begin to develop problem-solving strategies and ways to recall basic addition and subtraction facts efficiently. First graders investigate “big numbers” with place values to 1,000 and compute double-digit addition and subtraction problems without regrouping. First graders begin to learn to tell time to the nearest quarter hour, count collections of coins less than a dollar, and explore two- and three-dimensional shapes.

First grade art places an emphasis on curiosity, independence and joy through art making. First grade artists engage in projects that introduce them to a variety of artists, both contemporary and historical, as well as a range of diverse mediums and art making techniques.  Painting, sculpting, drawing and printmaking are just a few of the ways our student artists engage in the creative process. Through a thoughtful balance of process-based learning and skill building, first graders develop the creative confidence to express themselves and their ideas.

First graders build their music skills through active music-making experiences, learning to read and write music as they develop a joy of singing, dancing and playing together. Lower School music is based on the Kodaly Concept, a comprehensive, sequential, experience-based program used to develop basic musical skills and teach the reading and writing of music. First graders learn a variety of songs, play parties, singing games, rhymes and dances. They are introduced to the melodic elements sol, mi and la, and the rhythmic elements ta (quarter note), ti-ti (two beamed eighth notes) and quarter rest. Part work that began in Kindergarten is built upon in 1st grade. The children analyze form and develop their listening skills and singing voice, while also building social skills by working with partners and cooperating in groups.

In 1st grade drama classes, children continue to expand on imagination and expression. Students explore the range of facial movements that characterize emotions and they practice using their voices and bodies to convey feelings and reactions. They work together to create imaginary environments and act out simple storylines. Students experiment with walking style, voice and other behaviors to bring characters to life onstage.

First graders continue to develop large and small motor skills, spatial awareness, balance and coordination. Warm-up activities are energetic and lively, designed to welcome and include children of all ability levels. Children practice a variety of movements using their legs, including hopping, galloping, leaping, jumping, skipping, running and walking. With their arms, students throw, catch and strike with a variety of gym equipment: yarn balls, juggling scarves, bean bags, beach balls, spider balls, balloons, soft rubber balls, scoops, foam paddles, wiffle-balls and bats. Hand-eye and eye-foot coordination continue to improve as children practice all skills on both their dominant and non-dominant sides. Cooperative games are part of the program as well.

In 1st grade, children learn about Hispanic cultures by exploring countries such as Mexico, Bolivia and Spain. Students learn about family traditions in Mexico and make comparisons to their own celebrations in the United States. The study of Bolivia includes lessons about El Gran Mercado, Carnival, traditional clothing and colors. Children learn vocabulary to compare living conditions between cities and towns, and make connections to their own homes. Lessons about Spain include famous sites of Madrid and Flamenco dancing. Children listen to classical guitar and play an authentic cajón drum.