First Grade: WOOD Class
Reading
First grade is a big growth year for young readers. Through our structured literacy approach, students strengthen their phonological awareness, decoding and high frequency word recognition skills, while simultaneously building their vocabulary, grammar, and verbal reasoning skills. In fluency practice, students focus on establishing good reading habits and building independent reading stamina. They practice retelling stories, drawing on key details to support their comprehension and understanding of the text’s central message or lesson. Students learn how to make predictions, reread for deeper meaning, and identify key differences between nonfiction and fiction texts. First grade readers also learn how to compare different characters’ experiences, points of view, and character development throughout the story.
Writing
First graders start the year learning cursive, and handwriting development continues throughout the year. Writing focuses on narrative, informational, and opinion writing. Students learn how to create cohesive and sequenced narratives, add a beginning and end to stories, and use details and illustrations to help readers visualize their story. They utilize resourceful strategies for spelling “tricky” words and develop their understanding of how to write complete sentences. In our informational writing unit, WOODworkers create nonfiction, teaching books. Writers organize their writing by choosing and naming a topic, providing facts, and a sense of closure for the reader. For opinion writing, students share their opinions on a variety of interests with the intent to persuade the reader. Other writing experiences in the WOOD classroom include poetry and free writing.
Phonics
Whole group phonics lessons are taught daily, with additional small group differentiated lessons taught during readers and writers workshops. WOODworkers will study and practice concepts about print, phonological awareness, letter knowledge, word solving strategies, and high frequency (snap) words. The work they do in Phonics will be directly applied to and practiced in the reading and writing workshops.
Mathematics
Math in first grade focuses on developing number sense and strategies for addition and subtraction. Learners develop an understanding of whole number relationships and place value, including grouping in hundreds, tens, and ones. First grade mathematicians work on multi-step story problems to develop their problem solving skills. Other concepts include telling time, identifying and counting change, and extending a counting sequence. Students work with different models, including number rack, ten frame, object, and open number line to help solve problems. Mathematical practices include effective reasoning, communicating mathematical thinking, using appropriate tools strategically, and developing a sense of perseverance in solving problems.
Social Studies
The social studies curriculum draws on the theme of Community. First graders develop an understanding of their own personal roles and responsibilities as members of a class community. Through projects like the butterfly host plant garden, local traffic circle adoption, and a playground study, the WOODworkers learn about other cultures, communities, and degrees of equity and accessibility around the world. Study of various global customs and traditions such as Chinese New Year and Rosh Hashanah further support the WOODworkers’ understanding and practice of multicultural awareness, diversity, tolerance, and inclusion. First graders also study significant historical figures, changemakers, and their impact on our society today.
Science
First graders conduct real-life investigations and observations focusing on the life cycle, body parts, habitats, and migration of butterflies. They learn about native butterfly species through a hands-on service project where they grow Milkweed and Fennel for our gardens and neighborhood traffic circles. In an example of project-based learning, the first grade engineering unit explores disability and accessibility through the lens of playgrounds. Students conduct multiple playground ADA compliance investigations in our local community where they learn about ADA and accessibility from the perspective of kids with disabilities. Using the design thinking process, they design their own accessible playground feature to present as their STEM Fair project.
Social Emotional Learning
Social and emotional learning in first grade supports students in acquiring and effectively applying the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. The WOOD class theme of Community, and the idea that we are all equally valuable and supported members of our classroom community, also support students’ social emotional development. Together, we follow our five sacred agreements: (1) Respect boundaries: personal, friendship, time, safety, and environment. (2) Do your best with your thoughts, words, and actions. (3) Be kind... always. (4) Have fun and include others in your fun. (5) Mistakes are expected, inspected, and respected!
Social Justice
Social justice in the first grade is omnipresent, weaving through all curricular areas, activities, and classroom systems and structures. Under the domains of identity, diversity, justice and action, WOODworkers begin studying the self then move out to their family, school, local, and global communities. By examining our own identities in relation to family, culture, religion, and so forth, first graders learn that all our identities carry the same positive value. Discussion of current events and how we can respond to injustices, both big and small, is also an integral part of the social justice curriculum.
Specialist Classes
Specialist classes are part of the daily schedule for all students, including art, music, physical education, wood shop, and Latin. Our rich specialist program ensures a well-rounded daily experience for all students.
