Curriculum Overview

LANGUAGE ARTS

Broad exposure to and meaningful experiences with books are important elements of literacy development. In first grade the use of language through poems, songs, chants, and rhymes continues.

Students learn to apply their knowledge of letter sounds and word structure, develop their sight word vocabulary, and learn specific strategies for becoming independent readers. First graders also investigate sentences and story structures in both their reading and their writing.

First grade writing begins to reflect an awareness of conventional spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and sentence structure. Journal writing and sharing ideas through writing are important practices. Children have the opportunity to investigate the styles of various authors and learn to view themselves as authors.

MATHEMATICS

In first grade children expand their knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts. The primary focuses of instruction, which are integrated into activities, are number concepts and problem solving. These activities include experiences with comparison of numbers, working with patterns, addition and subtraction, graphing, estimating, measurement, time, money, fractions, geometry and place value.

In first grade, hands-on experiences that require observation, exploration, and discovery are stressed. Children are encouraged to work and to think like scientists. Classroom units include a Physical Science unit, Properties of Objects, a Life Science unit, From Egg to Chick, and an Earth Science unit, Tidepools.

First graders participate in a geography program known as “Travel Bears.” Through the use of stuffed bears, which travel the country and the world with parents, relatives or friends, students engage in a variety of activities that build geography skills and knowledge. Parents should make sure to notify classroom teachers of travel plans so that classes can have a bear packed and ready to go!
First graders also participate in a variety of community building activities which act as preparation for their roles as citizens in a democratic society. They work at gaining an understanding of history and time - past, present, and future.

Students continue to add to their skills through integrated programs. First graders begin to learn basic word-processing skills and terms, and investigate the use of numerous drawing tools.

The goal of the HPS music program is to develop students’ musical knowledge and proficiency while weaving music into content instruction at each grade level. Music is explored in a variety of ways: singing, moving, listening, rhythmic speech, improvisation, and instrument playing. Children experience music chosen from a wide variety of styles and cultures.

Students continue working with beat and begin learning to read, clap, sing, and play the quarter, half, and eighth notes. Quarter rest is also introduced at this level. Listening skills, appreciation of all kinds of music, and work with movement and dance continue to be a focus in first grade. Students continue to play small percussion instruments and include a few new ones, such as finger cymbals, triangle, and maracas and claves. During the second half of first grade, xylophones, metallophones and glockenspiels are introduced. Children continue to experience form in music.