First Grade

Writing

Students develop written language skills as we invite them to take ownership of their writing.  Each child will explore a variety of writing experiences.  We incorporate the Houghton Mifflin writing program to support writing development.  The five important steps include prewriting, writing, revising, editing and evaluating.

Reading

Reading is a life-long journey of comprehending by constructing meaning from print.  All children will progress through the same stages of reading but not in the same way or at the same pace. We are able to teach the science of reading components by using a variety of resources.  These resources include, Houghton Mifflin, Fundations, and STAR assessments.  We take students from where they are within the reading process by small group instruction, individual goal setting, progress monitoring, and interactive literacy centers.  

MathProblem solving is the primary focus of our Bridges program. The program involves number corner, work places, home connections and problems/investigations. Hands-on materials are used as the child moves to the abstract or symbolic level.  We establish links between past experiences and exploration of new concepts.  There is an ongoing review and informal assessments emphasizing a home/school partnership.

Social Studies and Science

Our social studies and science curriculums are integrated into our reading and writing programs.  At Dry Creek, Inquiry ED is our primary social studies program.  The first grade curriculum includes three main units of study which are, Families Near and Far, Our Special Location, and Civic Engagement.  We use PhD Science to guide our science instruction.  Our units of study include Life Science Survival, Physical Science Light, and Earth Science is Sky. 

Social Side of First Grade

In our first-grade program, we prioritize your child's social and emotional development, recognizing that these skills are foundational for academic success and overall well-being. We focus on helping students learn self-care, appropriate social interactions, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. Our curriculum is designed to foster the development of executive functions, such as attention, memory, and self-control, which are crucial for effective learning and daily life. We believe in creating a joyful learning environment that not only makes education enjoyable but also instills a passion for lifelong learning. By integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) into our daily activities, we aim to nurture well-rounded individuals who are prepared to navigate both academic challenges and interpersonal relationships.