First Grade

The wonderful first graders of LGCS arrive each morning eager to begin a day packed with creative learning experiences. As students enter our classrooms they are greeted warmly by teachers and peers who are happy to see them. Each student has a Morning Writing Journal to use during the arrival transition time. After all are settled in and writing Journals are put away, the children gather on the carpet for Morning Meeting Time. Morning Meeting is a special time when children read a special morning message to set the tone of the day. Also during this time children engage in calendar activities, continue an on-going countdown to the 100th day of school (which will be celebrated in February), sing songs, recite poems, discuss class expectations and set goals for our day together.

Following Morning Meeting, we begin our Reading Block reflecting a balanced literacy program which emphasizes Phonics, Reading and Writing. Our students work in Reading groups, write stories and participate in publishing parties so that they can share their work as young authors. First graders engage in read alouds, guided reading and many other literary activities that are often differentiated to meet their individual needs and learning styles. Physical Education and a healthy snack break follow so that the students have the chance to exercise, play and socialize with each other.

First grade Singapore Math concentrates on Number Sense, Number Bonds, Addition, Subtraction and Problem Solving. Through the use of hands on manipulatives and critical thinking our students are enjoying this Math program and are progressing steadily in their Math skills. Our day would not be complete without the subjects of Social Studies and Science. Our Social Studies themes include families, communities, culture, traditions, holidays, maps and citizenship. Through projects, discussions and varied activities our eager students are learning to be responsible members of their family school, community and world! Environmental Science is a huge part of the first grade curriculum. This year our students are observing, exploring and discovering many interesting concepts such as insect study, meal worm observations, planting and caring for the environment. Children are also engaged in many hands on experiments. Acting as Scientists they are using the Scientific Method by frequently predicting, testing, observing and reporting outcomes. The students look forward to the popular Wednesday Field Studies that further enhance the Science curriculum.

In addition to all of the above our students enjoy the Artists in Residency program and are looking forward to our Winter Performance where they will bring to life a “go-green” theme to reflect their enjoyment of Environmental Science. Our daily curriculum is enhanced by the Active Board, the use of Computers, Classroom Created Learning Centers, Art, Music and Movement incorporated into our subject areas, and many creative hands on activities. The first graders leave tired at the end of the day having spent a full day of learning together!