Grade 1 Curriculum Summary
Click here for a PDF of the 2017-2018 first grade curriculum summary.
Responsive Classroom
Components of the Responsive Classroom Approach:
- Morning Meeting
- Hopes and Dreams
- Rules and Logical Consequences
- Take a Break
- Guided Discovery
- Academic Choice
- Working with Families
Reading Workshop
click here to see units of study
Balanced Literacy Program
· Independent Reading – students select an appropriate level reading book: this allows students to practice reading skills and develop a love for literature
· Guided Reading – when the teacher works with a small group (3-5 students) to help them access more challenging books at their instructional level.
· Shared Reading – when the teacher uses an enlarged text that all students can see and involves the children in reading together with a pointer. Selections are usually read many times for enjoyment.
· Buddy Reading – reading a book with a partner who may or may not be at the same reading level, allowing time for student discussion and questioning.
· Read Aloud – time spent reading a higher level book to the whole class, working on vocabulary, comprehension, and more difficult concepts.
· Phonics – learning and mastering basic letter/sound combinations and trick words to be applied when decoding and spelling.
Just Right Books
- Student can decode most of the words on each page.
- Student can retell and comprehend the text.
- Student is interested in and can make connections to the text.
Writing Workshop
click here to view the units of study
Typical writing workshop block:
- Mini-Lesson
- Practice
- Shared Reflection
Fundations
- Letter review
- How to form both upper and lower case letters correctly
- Learn sounds using keywords (letters, digraphs, glued sounds)
- Blending sounds into words
- Bonus letters (glass, will, puff)
- Trick words
- Word structure
- Sentence structure
Math
click here to view the units of study
Think Math & Engage New York
- Think Math and Engage New York comprehensive mathematics programs which provide high quality mathematics instruction to all children.
- Both are aligned with both the Massachusetts State Standards and the Needham Public School standards.
- emphasize developing important mathematical ideas, skills, and methods by blending a deep conceptual understanding with computational fluency.
What can you expect to see at home?
- Home/School Connection Letters. These letters are sent home at the start of each new chapter.
- LAB book pages
- practice pages
- games
Science
click here to view the units of study
Students engage in inquiry-based science and explore the scientific method by participating in the following units:
The Needham Science Center provides support and enrichment for the required science curriculum with living animals, hands-on materials, exhibits, demonstration lessons, and programs.
Social Studies
Students learn about geography and engage in inquiry-based social studies as they study the following units:
- Self & Society
- Calendar/Holidays
- Maps/Directions
Second Step
click here to view the units of study
Second Step is a classroom-based social-skills program for children 4 to 14 years of age that teaches socioemotional skills aimed at reducing impulsive and aggressive behavior while increasing social competence.
Homework
It is important that your child reads or is read to for 20 minutes every night. Please see our homework policy in your parent packet. Click here for more information about homework in room 178.
Volunteer Opportunities
- Celebrations throughout the year include Fall Fun (October), Winter Solstice (December), 100th Day of school (February) Spring Fling (April) End of year party
- Guest Readers throughout the school year
- In School Volunteers and Home Parent Volunteers
- Share your talents and interests with our classroom community.
Max The Needham Bear
Max will stay in our classroom during the week and make visits to YOUR home over the weekends! Max will come home with your child on a Friday and stay until Monday. He will come with a journal that we hope you and your child will write in.
Parent Communication
We will communicate with you through e-mail and the class blog. We will do our best to respond to emails within 24 hours.
Check your child’s folder every night for notices and homework.
Please send dismissal changes to school in your child's home folder. If there is a last minute change, please call the office. (do not email)