First Grade Curriculum

We have high expectations for our children at OUS.  We want them to become productive citizens in the community who are able to make decisions, solve problems, and communicate fluently with those around them. We want each student to be challenged so maximum learning will take place. Our school strives to provide a nurturing environment where children will reach their fullest potential.

Reading

Reading is integrated in all subject areas in our curriculum. Our main goal is to emphasize the joy of reading and help students become fluent, life long readers. Phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and word study skills are taught using the Harcourt CollectionsReading Series and supplemented with the Silver Burdett Series. A variety of literature, and literacy centers are also used to enhance learning and help students attain mastery of the objectives.

English

These skills are essential for our students to enable them to become more proficient in reading and writing. They provide the children with word study skills needed to help them become more confident readers and better communicators in oral and written language.

Writing

Children express their thoughts and feelings in written form when they are thinking independently, applying skills they are learning in reading, spelling, handwriting, and language mechanics, and also creating meaning out of what they are learning in the content areas. Therefore, students write on a daily basis across the curriculum at OUS. Writing and publishing are emphasized throughout the year.

Math

First grade math is composed of five learning strands: patterns/algebraic thinking, data analysis/prediction, measurement, geometric concepts, and number sense. These strands are integrated as math objectives are taught. Our curriculum establishes a sound foundation that will enable the students to discover the why, as well as the how, of basic mathematics. Math concepts are taught using a variety of manipulatives to provide the children with hands on experiences for mastering the objectives. 

The first grade math curriculum will be enhanced in 2010-11. First graders will be introduced to theHarcourt/Houghton Mifflin's 2009 Math Expressions program.

Social Studies

The first grade Social Studies curriculum is composed of four learning strands: civics, history, geography, and economics.  First grade social studies is taught using thematic units that provide the children the opportunity to learn about people, places and things both near and far away. The emphasis is to help children understand family life and structure, as well as roles of family members in a global setting. Geography lessons are taught throughout the year by tracking the travels of a class bear named Paddington. The children learn about our country and map skills become meaningful and fun for them

Character Education

Our Character Education Program will stress the importance of being a good citizen by teaching that respect, responsibility, fairness, trustworthiness, caring, and citizenship are all traits that we should have to be the best that we can be.

Science

First grade Science is composed of three learning strands:  life science, earth and space science, and physical science.  In addition to these strands, students will continue to further their understanding of the scientific process by conducting experiments each week. This will enable them to discover the steps of the scientific method and help them organize their thoughts. First grade science is designed to help children feel related to the world, and it is taught using thematic units.

Field Trips are a wonderful teaching tool for our students. Some of the trips our children will be taking are:

The Post Office

Mud Island

The Fire Station

The Zoo

The Observatory

The Recycling Facility

The Chocolate Factory

Yearly Events

First Grade Plays

Grandparent’s Program

Polar Express

Christmas Around

the World

Science Fair

Young Author’s Day

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Cheerleading

Swim Team

Kaleidscope

Thematic Units

Summer Vacation Unit

Marvelous MS

Brown Bear Unit

Johnny Appleseed

Animals Have Class

Plants

Human Body        

Nutrition

Creatures of the Night

Grandparents Unit

Thanksgiving Unit

Holiday Celebrations

Sun, Moon, and Stars

The Polar Regions

Dental Health

Patriotic Unit

Early U.S. History

The Solar System

Matter

Magnets

Our Environment