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First Grade

First grade is a time of significant academic, social and emotional growth for the developing child. Our students carry the foundational skills of kindergarten into a time of greater self-sufficiency and intellectual curiosity. This year ignites an ownership of learning and brings an awareness of each student’s place in his or her classroom and world. This theme is nurtured with hands-on science projects, targeted phonics instruction, deepening comprehension skills, mathematical problem solving, special theatrical performances and lessons targeted to help build self-confidence and interpersonal skills. The ultimate goal of the first grade is to prepare the students for the focus on independence in the second grade.

Reading and Phonics

The first grade reading program is designed to instill a love of reading through nurturing independence. Throughout the school year, students learn how to choose “just right” books based on reading level and subject matter. With the teacher’s guidance and encouragement, students master accuracy with phonics and sight words, fluency, and comprehension skills that serve as tools for their reading success. In daily guided reading groups, students also begin to read chapter books in small groups that allow for a mutual discovery of the wonders of literature. Making connections to other books, themselves, and the world around them is fostered.

Writing and Grammar 

Writer’s Workshop continues and builds from the kindergarten experience, balancing the structure of writing with the child’s individual voice. Through daily mini lessons and independent writing time, students are taught about various genres and encouraged to vocalize ideas in complete sentences. There is a strong emphasis on grammar and penmanship as students explore writing. They also complete writing projects that take them through the steps of a defined writing process, starting with pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, and producing a final draft.

Mathematics

Students continue to explore math using hands-on manipulatives and talking with others to show different ways of thinking. They work in both whole and small groups to meet the needs of individual learners. Math is integrated throughout the day, with an emphasis on real-world application. Students are encouraged to use their knowledge of learned concepts to think critically, which develops problem-solving skills. Concepts include: addition and subtraction strategies, graphing, place value, money, time, and measurement.

Science

The first grade science program is fun and engaging as it brings science to life through cross-curricular units of study. The major units are: sound and light, air and weather, animal adaptations and habitats, and an in-depth study of the rainforest habitat. Using the scientific method, students complete exciting hands-on experiments and projects that enable them to find their inner scientist and learn to look at the world with an observant eye. Students also get to explore the scientific world on STEAM Day and during field trips.

Social Studies

Social studies in first grade is designed to broaden the horizons of High Point students, helping them to understand their world, past and present. The year begins with school routines and moves into students uncovering what citizenship is and who comprises a community. Holidays, cultures, and traditions are explored as students become global citizens, learning about Black History Month and using mapping skills for worldwide exploration and connection. Students begin to make connections with their role in shaping our society.