First Grade

The First Grade curriculum builds on skills developed in Kindergarten. The phonetic reading program is reviewed in depth at the beginning of the year, refreshing the skills learned in Kindergarten and extending them. Handwriting skills are stressed and cursive is introduced to First grade students.

Reading/Language Arts. Continuing in the multi-sensory approach, the phonetic program builds on those skills established in Kindergarten. A review of short vowels, why vowels change to their long sounds and how to recognize them, and the special sounds that they can make are re-taught. Students continue reading from phonetic readers as well as classic and contemporary storybooks. Additional reading is done in the books A Bargain for Frances, The Gingerbread Boy, The Emperor’s New Clothes, Albert’s Toothache, and The Nutcracker. Comprehension of materials that have been read are monitored following each story. Students read both orally and silently, and they are tested in spelling and vocabulary. Additional reading is incorporated into all other areas of First Grade instruction.

Mathematics

Science. First Grade science offers an in-depth exploration of plants and animals. This includes living things, animals, plants, the food chain, nutrition and insects. First Grade students learn about insect life cycles with an in-depth study of the Monarch butterfly that includes specimen collection and observation of the butterfly’s metamorphosis. Science related literature includes Johnny Appleseed Goes A-Planting, Jack and the Beanstalk, The Little Red Hen, The Ugly Duckling, Amazing Animals, Butterfly Book, and The Life of a Butterfly.

Geography. A knowledge of the continents and oceans is integral to an understanding of who we are and where our ancestors came from. Students learn to locate and identify the continents and oceans and place them correctly on maps. They are introduced to the concept of the pre-Columbian Americas, the Age of Exploration, and Columbus. Students read Young Christopher Columbus. They learn geographic terms and the vocabulary associated with an understanding of geography and construct flash cards to assist in their mastery of these terms.

History. History is a significant area of study in the First Grade, with an introduction to North American Indians and the Eastern Woodland Indians, followed by a school-wide field trip to Natural Bridge and the Monacan Indian Village. Study continues with work on the history, culture and government of the United States, and our flag, followed by the American Revolution and the significant role that Virginians played in this historic event. Students learn about Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence and take a field trip to Monticello.