First grade is a time of dramatic
transition. Children, as their
brains grow during this stage of
development, are creating a new
way of thinking that depends more
on logic rather that on
perception to make meaning.
Students at this age are
gradually creating structures in
their brains that allow them to
think more logically and
understand symbol systems more
abstractly.

Whether it be in the math and
science domains, literacy, or in
social studies, the way a
child is able to think informs
content and instruction.

For example, in math and science
the ability to sort and classify
objects by one attribute and then
by another attribute, or
understand that 5 objects will
always be 5 objects no matter how
they are arranged are important
logical structures necessary to
understand the process of
computation in mathematics. In
developing reading comprehension
skills, being able to put 2 and 2
together is essential in learning
how to read betweeen the lines,
understanding that which is
implied but not literally
stated. It requires logical
structures that in kindergarten
and first grade are beginning to
develop.

The methodologies used with
children of this age to encourage
the development of logical
thinking require the use of
concrete objects and authentic
materials. For this reason the
math and science programs rely
heavily on the use of
manipulatives.

The reading and writing programs
rely heaviy on authentic
experiences using a wide variety
of resources including "regular"
books (the kind you buy at
Borders) as well as basal texts
and environmental print. Writing
for real purposes in contrast to
the completion of workbook pages
is the norm during Writing
Workshop.

Every day children in first grade
read aloud, engage in shared
reading and writing, are guided
in reading and writing
instruction, and read and write
independently.

Along with cognitive growth comes
social development as well.
Kindergarten is not the only
place where children learn to
share and take turns, help and
encourage each other and work
together for common goals. Our
motto in first grade is that when
you find yourself in a hole
(figuratively speaking), stop
digging! First graders learn
strategies for dealing with
problems that come up in their
daily lives (ways to get out of
the hole or avoid falling into it
in the first place). After all,
they have to learn how to get
along with other children, as
well as teachers and parents,
each with their own ideas about
how life should go First grade
is a lively place!

Learing the basics is the
important task of first grade and
many opportunities are provided
to give children an opportunity
to apply these skills in
meaningful
ways. Among them are Art for
Animals, the yearly first grade
community service project to
raise money for the local Humane
Society by painting and selling
original art.

In concert with the artistic and
business end of the project, the
children apply the skills they
have learned in literacy to
research and write about various
animals of the dog and cat
kingdoms. They visit the animal
shelter and assess the needs of
keeping animals safe and well.

First graders also attend special
classes in Spanish, Sign
Language, music, art, PE, and
computers. To learn more about
these classes, please click on
the appropriate link.

To learn more about first grade,
click on classroom pages and then
on first grade.

CLICK ON SPECIALS TO SEE WHAT THE
FIRST GRADERS ARE LEARNING IN
SPANISH, SIGN LANGUAGE, MUSIC,
ART, COMPUTERS, AND PE.