Overview & Curriculum Highlights
The 1st grade curriculum builds on Kindergarten standards but goes a few steps deeper. Student’s begin to hone their skills and more deeply practice areas of growth. 1st grade is a time when students’ academic and creative skills take off. You will be amazed at their development.
The English Language arts curriculum in 1st grade features a rich array of read-alouds as well as practice writing Narrative, Informational, and Opinion pieces. Students also regularly write letters to the class “Student of the Week.”
A portion of their day is focused on phonics and small reading groups. Students are able to build a love of reading and writing and you will see their imaginations come to life more than ever.
In math, students will build on their knowledge of addition and subtraction, begin to understand measurement, data, graphing, fractions, geometry, and telling time using hands-on activities, games, and centers. Students will begin to work with word problems and apply real-life scenarios to help their mathematical understandings deepen. They will also get to use play money in the classroom and manage it in their own personal “banks.”
Science presents 1st graders with so many moments of wonder as they learn about plant and animal life-cycles and adaptations, light and sound, weather, and the sun, moon, and stars. 1st grade also exhibits a Nature Shelf in the classroom that features all types of plants, rocks and gems, nests, insects, eggs, shells, and much more.
Social studies provides a look into cultures that are different and similar to ours. Not only is our goal to nurture compassionate citizens of the Earth, but also to teach students how they can participate in their communities. Geography is another exciting component to social studies in 1st grade.
Art is never placed on the back burner! Students will learn the 7 elements of art in 1st grade. Not only that, they will create wonderful masterpieces that tie into science and social studies units every week.
Last but not least, the social-emotional curriculum taught in 1st grade covers everything from Emotions, Self – Management, Growth Mindset, Relationships, Social Awareness, Kindness, Respect, & Responsibility.
1st grade is a year of amazing academic and creative growth. It’s filled with hands-on activities and memorable experiences that your child will never forget.
Specialist Classes
In addition to a strong curriculum, students will participate in the following activities: Spanish, drama, visual arts, gardening, physical education, music, and reading buddies.
Field Trips
Examples of off-campus and on-campus 1st grade field trips include:
- Apple Hill
- Fog Willow Pumpkin Patch
- The Museum of Science and Curiosity (MoSaC)
- Fairytale Town
- Effie Yeaw Nature Center
- NorCal Bats
- Amazing Animal World
- Wild Things
- Sacramento State Planetarium
- Sacramento Zoo