Curriculum Overview

Instructional Program

The first grade program provides students with a strong academic foundation while taking into consideration individual differences.

Subjects taught every day:

• Language Arts with an emphasis on reading, grammar, spelling, phonics, fluency, speaking, and listening
• Mathematics including problem solving skills
• Science study units on weather and organisms
• Social Studies

All children have the opportunity to achieve academically. In addition, students enjoy exposure to the fine arts through visual art, choral music, arts alive and music appreciation. Physical Education allows students to improve their physical fitness, teaming and gross motor skills.

Subjects taught, but not graded include: Art, Music, Physical Education, Library skills and Arts Alive.

A Shared Responsibility

If students are to benefit from their school experience, learning becomes a shared responsibility between the student, the parent, and the teacher. The South Fayette Township School District staff has identified key expectations that need to take place if we are to improve student achievement.

Student Expectations

• Complete all homework assignments
• Bring all required materials to class
• Participate in class discussions
• Follow classroom rules
• Respect the rights of others
• Read for fun

Parent Expectations

• Provide a quiet place for the child to do homework or study
• Homework should be reviewed for accuracy and understanding
• Read and sign agenda nightly
• Read to your child every night
• Communicate with the school on a regular basis

Teacher Expectations

• Provide instruction to meet various learning styles of students
• Communicate with parents on a regular basis
• Provide feedback on assignments

Special Projects

Interdisciplinary projects:
• Harvest Celebration
• Short Vowel Breakfast
• “Decembear”
• Snow and Ice Discovery
• Amazing Animals
• Reading Den
• Book-It
• Accelerated Reader

Evaluations

A variety of methods will be used to evaluate each student’s work in the classroom. Several methods include:

Teacher Observation
Chapter Tests
Classroom Work
Quizzes
Oral Responses

Language Arts/Reading/Writing

PA Academic Standards
1.1 Learning to Read Independently
1.1.A Identify the purposes and types of text
1.1.B Identify key text formats (title, headings, chapters, and table of contents)
1.1.C Use phonics, word analysis, pictures, and context clues to decode new words during reading.
1.1.G Demonstrate after reading understanding and interpretation of both fiction and nonfiction text.
1.2. Reading Critically in all content areas
1.2 A Read and understand essential content of information texts and documents in all academic areas.
1.3. Reading, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature
1.3.A Read works of literature
1.3 B Identify literary elements in stories describing character, setting and plot.
1.4. Types of Writing
1.4.A Write narrative paragraphs and letters to a prompt
1.5. Quality of Writing
1.5.B Write a series of sentences or paragraph with one idea
1.5.F Spell common, frequently used words correctly, use complete sentences
1.6 Speaking and Listening
1.6.A Listen to others

Mathematics

PA Academic Standards
2.1 Numbers and Number Sentences
2.1.A Count using whole numbers
2.1.B Use whole numbers and fractions to represent quantities
2.1.C Represent equivalent forms of the same number with objects and manipulatives
2.1 D Use drawings to show a concept
2.1.E Count and make change using coins
2.1 F Apply number patterns
2.1.G Use objects to count, order and group
2.1.I Apply place value
2.1 K Describe the inverse relationship between addition and subtraction
2.2 Computation and Estimation
2.2A Apply addition and subtraction skills
2.2.B Solve single and double-digit addition and subtraction problems
2.2 E Use estimation skills
2.2 G Explain addition and subtraction algorithms
2.3. Measurement and Estimation
2.3.C Identify elapsed time
2.3.D Tell time to the half and hour
2. 4A Make predictions
2.4 B Use measurement in everyday situations
2.5. Mathematics Problem Solving
2.6 Data Analysis
2.6.A Gather data using pictures and graphs
2.9 Geometry (name, label build and draw geometric shapes)
2.9.A Identify geometric shapes
2.11 Identify quantities from least to most and greatest value

Social Studies

• Explain the roles and responsibilities of families in society
• Identify the rights and responsibilities of citizenship

Science

• Describe the characteristics of various plants and animals
• Describe climate and temperature during the four seasons

Art

• Demonstrate basic drawing and painting techniques
• Identify the principles of basic art forms
• Create special projects

Music

• Create movements to various songs/music
• Demonstrate proper techniques and care of instruments

Physical Education

• Recognize changes in body responses to physical activity
• Demonstrate physical activities that promote fitness and health

Arts Alive

• Play musical instruments and explore creative movements
• Experiment with characters, pantomime, and folk dancing