Grade 1 Curriculum Guide

Reading/Language Arts/Writing - Course Description
Using the Houghton Mifflin Invitations to Literacy program reading, writing, speaking and
listening skills are developed and practiced throughout the day through a balanced literacy approach. Recognizing that children do not all learn in the same way, the Academy provides strategies for differentiated approaches for reading and writing. Emergent reading elements, phonics, reading fluency, comprehension, literary elements, and inquiry/research are all aspects of the curriculum. Students are introduced to the F.A.S.T. reading system that offers differentiated instruction to develop fluent readers at all levels. Students are allowed opportunities to self-select books and read individually as well as occasion to both read aloud as well as read together as a whole group.  

Our writing workshop begins in the first grade with a focus on teaching through a variety of
writing projects. Teachers address the curriculum areas of sentence structure, creative writing, and spelling as well as allow students the learning experience of public speaking within the classroom. Teachers have been trained in the 6+1 Traits of Writing that offers a consistent language to the writing process which will benefit and strengthen students’ writing skills throughout their years at GPA.

Mathematics - Course Description
The Everyday Math standards-based math program, researched and designed by the University of Chicago Mathematics Project, is used as the first grade math curriculum. The program spirals from grades one through five, allowing students to gain a richer connection with math process and procedure. Content strands include: Number and Numeration, Operations and Computation, Data and Chance, Measurement and Reference Frames, Geometry, and Patterns, Functions, and Algebra. The use of manipulatives, familiar to your child from the Montessori classroom, assists teachers in instruction from concrete processes to more difficult, abstract ones. The Academy advantage of smaller class size, with the support of the Learning Resource Department, allows teachers to differentiate, support, and augment the program for all learners.

Science - Course Description
The first grade science program is presented through a series of themes throughout the year. Observing, interpreting, and understanding physical and natural phenomena are part of our daily work. Your student will be introduced to the scientific method. Hands-on experiments and experiences provide concrete opportunities to make predictions and develop conclusions.

Curriculum areas include nutrition, sea life, ecology, the senses, and living things. Students will create a sea life book, with text and illustrations, during their integrated technology program.

Social Studies - Course Description
The Social Studies program in grade one allows your child to develop the skills, knowledge and attitude to become an informed and responsible citizen. Social studies strands include geography, history, inquiry, economics, and civics. An acknowledgement and appreciation of individual differences is developed thematically throughout the year.

OUT-Of-CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION (SPECIALS)

Visual Arts - Course Description
Drawing . Painting . Sculpture . Collage . Weaving and textiles . Artists and art styles . Art history

Christian Life - Course Description
Introduction to Old and New Testament stories . Holidays . Study of Biblical heroes

Creative Movement - Course Description
Awareness of body movement potential . Varied movement vocabulary . Problem solving through choreographic studies . Class presentation focusing on artist’s work

Environmental Science Lab
Adaptations . Animal and plant basic needs and limiting factors . Season changes in plants and animals . Animal communication & behavior

French - Course Description
Communication . Cultures . Cross-curriculum connections . Comparisons

Library - Course Description
Book selection . Characteristics of books . Library media procedures

Music/Performing Arts - Course Description
Symbolic notation . Rhythm & tonal dictation . Introduction to Orff instruments . Composers

Physical Education - Course Description
Participate successfully in selected health enhancing, life long physical activities . Develop & maintain healthy levels of cardiorespiratory and muscular endurance and flexibility

Technology
Use and understanding of desktop programs . Typing . Integrated projects with classroom curriculum

FIELD TRIPS

Apple Picking - Grade 1 and 8 Buddy Program
(Curriculum connection: Social Studies)

Theater Trip - Literature Play
(Curriculum connections: Reading and Music)

Local supermarket
(Curriculum connections: Mathematics and Social Studies)

ASSESSMENT

Informal and formal assessments are used throughout the year to identify progress, strengths, and areas for development. Second grade students participate in the Gates-MacGinitie standardized test that measures achievement in reading. Third grade students take the ERB Comprehensive Testing Program (4) that assesses achievement in reading, listening, vocabulary, writing and mathematics. While the first grade students do not take a standardized test, they are continuously assessed and monitored by their teachers in order to provide an individualized program to meet their needs.

SPECIAL RESOURCES

Two full-time learning resource specialists to meet individual needs and provide classroom
enrichment

Licensed therapist on staff to help with social interaction

SPECIAL EXPERIENCES

First Grade Play
Buddy Program
Intramurals (Soccer, Basketball, Floor Hockey, T-ball)
Monthly Grade 1-8 Chapel Assemblies
Grandparents' & Special Friends Day
Halloween Parade
Thanksgiving Assembly
Lower School Christmas
Chapel Assembly
Chapel Giving
Author Visit
Creative Movement Presentation
Field Day
Extracurricular Activities (Chess Club, Yoga, Art Club)

Jennifer Kendall
Early/Lower School Principal
jkendall@gpacademy.org
313-886-1221 ext. 145