Transitional- First Grade

The Transitional First Grade (T-1) is a literacy-focused, full day program that is a bridge between kindergarten (K5) and first grade. The T-1 program is a class for children who are developmentally young and who might benefit from an extra year before they are ready for the demands of a highly competitive First Grade program. It is not intended for students who have behavior problems or learning differences who may be struggling academically.

What Makes Transitional First Grade different?

• Provides a bridge between Kindergarten and the rigors of a regular First Grade
• Provides a challenging and stimulating academic curriculum beyond the Kindergarten program
• Provides a smaller class size for more active participation
• Provides more hands on activities and manipulatives and developmentally appropriate materials 
• Provides for flexibility of instructional time and pacing with shorter time on tasks
• Provides for transition from concrete to abstract learning.

Reading/Integrated Language Arts

Transitional First Grade students will develop skills in the areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking through the use of the Harcourt Collections Reading/Language Arts program.The Harcourt program offers an explicit, systematic approach to phonics acquisition and it incorporates shared reading, guided reading and independent reading to support literacy learning. Instruction in the five areas of reading instruction-phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension- are included. The program also integrates writing into the language arts curriculum.

Mathematics

The mathematics program will emphasize:

• Number sense
• Count, compare, recognize and write numbers
• Explore and solve addition and subtraction problems with and without manipulatives
• Understanding number relationships such as more than and less than
• Patterns, Relations, and Functions
• Create predict, and extend patterns
• Explore how addition and subtraction relate
• Geometry and measurement
• Estimate and use non-standard units of measure
• Tell time by the hour and half hour
• Identify coins and the value of coins
• Recognize, sort, and classigy objects by size and shape
• Statistics and probability
• Collect and organize data using graphs and pictures
• Make predictions

Science and Social Studies Curriculum

Science and Social Studies are integrated with our Harcourt Language Arts Program. Children have hands-on experiences observing nature and their environment. Children also develop citizenship and social skills through weekly emphasis on character traits. The curriculum is supported by hands on science experiements.

Work Study Skills

• Listens to and follows directions
• Works cooperatively in a group
• Works independently
• Works neatly and accurately
• Stays on assigned tasks
• Uses time appropriately in class

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Curriculum Enrichment Areas

In addition to the curricuum areas listed above, students in the Transitional First Grade have weekly classes in Art, Computer, Spanish, Music, and Physical Education. Enrichment classes are taught by certified  teachers.