Primary Division

List of 12 items.

• Library

  First grade students enjoy use their library class time to choose books from an increasingly broad collection of titles, exploring new types of books. First grade library time is also used to share and discuss books about change and life cycles, encouraging students to draw connections and correlations between the changes they’re observing in their classroom projects involving butterflies and chickens. At the end of the year, students are given an introduction to the basic organizational principals of the library, and begin to become increasingly independent and responsible library users.

• Literacy

  The study of Change provided opportunities for the first grade students to explore both concrete and complex changes in literature. Beginning with an Eric Carle Author Study, the students explore the difference between fact and fiction while continuing their work on problem and solution from earlier in the year. Through an in-depth study of nonfiction, the students learn about various text features and practice activating prior knowledge before reading a text. They worked on making deeper connections and reading for a specific purpose. As writers, they thought about their purpose: to inform, instruct or persuade and craft pieces to get the desired point across. A Poetry unit allowed the children time to hone their observational skills in order to write poetry that describes objects, events and big feelings. Spelling, vocabulary, decoding and grammatical skills were strengthened as the students continued their exploration of word structure, word meaning and sentence structure.​

• Mathematics

  Students in Grade 1 dove into investigations of number, geometry, and measurement. The beginning of the year launched an in-depth study of clocks and time. They also explored the structure and patterns of the calendar and learn how to use it as a tool. Their knowledge of doubles, near doubles, ten’s plus, and “ways to make ten” facts become “Helper Facts” for solving more challenging problems. The closed number line and other models, such as the hundred chart, also play an important role in supporting students in their understanding of money and recognizing the relationship between addition and subtraction. An exploration into 3D geometry invites students to examine attributes by identifying, sorting, and classifying objects in their surroundings. The end of the year culminates in an integrated unit allowing students the opportunity to estimate, calculate and apply their understanding of standard and nonstandard tools and units of measurement. They also had opportunities to engage in authentic problem solving situations on a regular basis. Within each investigation, students further developed their mathematical vocabulary and communication skills by working independently and collaboratively with peers.

• Performing Arts: Dance

  In Dance classes, first grade students solidified their understanding and execution of basic movement skills such as freeze, levels, musicality, directional changes, locomotor movements, safety while still and traveling, and personal and relational spatial awareness. Students continued to develop their abilities in listening, observation, and cooperation while they practiced more refined performance skills such as changes in energy levels, rhythmic patterns, and movement qualities. They learned to relate what they are studying in other disciplines, to all the activities they explored in dance, such as Lines, Shapes, and Feelings, Traveling Trios, and Dance the Connections. During the units of study on Family and Connection, students formulated connections on physical, emotional, and intellectual levels. They learned to work with a partner and an ensemble while creating their own movement interpretations of nature, of lines and pathways, of their personal narrative writing about their family experiences, and of their museum experiences. During the museum dance project, each student choreographed, titles, and rehearses his or her own museum dance. These pieces are videoed and posted on TSC’s “The Tube,” for students and families to view.

• Performing Arts: Music

  In first grade music class, the students worked on recognizing and performing a steady beat using a variety of means such as movement, body percussion, and instrumental playing. Instrumental playing included the use of un-pitched percussion instruments and barred instruments; xylophones, glockenspiels and metallophones. Movement and instrumental improvisation are explored through games and stories, which supported the overall theme of Family and the concept of Connection. The semester culminated with a Family Concert, featuring songs and dances that reflect our diverse community. Preparing for this concert offered the students the opportunity to develop their singing skills and musical memories, while expanding on their song and dance repertoire. Students strengthened their musicianship and community ties, along with learning about performance etiquette through this joyous experience.

• Science

  In the kitchen science unit, children learned that chemical and physical changes connect different substances in predictable ways. Experiments included dissolving various solvents in water, growing salt crystals, making butter and creating simple chromatograms. In a series of yeast experiments, children investigated how changing one variable at a time affected the outcome. All of these experiences helped students develop the scientific skills of asking questions, making predictions, noticing patterns, recording observations and communicating their ideas.

• Social Emotional Learning

  In the second half of Grade 1, social emotional learning is integrated into the study of Change. Children began to appreciate the ways in which their own hard work brings change in the form of increased competence in multiple areas. They began to set realistic goals for themselves, and to feel pride in mastering new skills. In their friendships, students practiced taking turns and sharing, as well as resolving conflicts and being flexible. Gradually, students developed an awareness of the ways in which their actions affect those around them and the ability they have to change situations for the better. As they moved toward second grade, the children also became more independent as learners. Grade 1 students grew in their understanding of the need to be responsible for their work and for their actions throughout the day. Students practiced making positive contributions to their classroom and the larger community.

• Social Studies

  First grade students explored the theme Family and the concept of Connection during the first semester. They began by investigating connections that exist between their classmates. They made connection maps to exhibit their understanding. Towards the middle of the semester, the focus shifted to connections amongst and between different families. The students were challenged to create a family museum that highlights these connections. To start the process, the students used the research question, “what makes a museum a museum?” To guide the inquiry, the students visit several museums to gather information and look at the characteristics of highly engaging and high-quality exhibits. From there, the students engaged in several learning experiences that helped us narrow down our big ideas for the museum. Students worked collaboratively to synthesize the information they collect and design exhibits that teach museum visitors about the many connections first grade families have to each other.

• Spanish Language/Literacy

  In first grade Spanish, students connected their knowledge of the language to the theme of Family as well as to their daily school life. Students made connections to others by learning how to describe themselves in Spanish and learning how those physical traits make us similar and different to other people. Students applied their language skills by practicing new and old vocabulary in Spanish through didactic activities, games and songs. Spanish classes were designed so that every student has the opportunity to listen to, speak, read and write key vocabulary in the target language. They also made literary connections while reading various books that highlight the theme of Family. Students were learning about families and cultures that have similarities and differences from their own. Throughout the semester, students discovered how we can create different types of connections to others and how that can change our perspective of the meaning of family. In first grade, we strive to continue building a love of language and cultural learning where students are eager to participate.

• Technology

  Students in First Grade are becoming skilled at using technology learning tools in their classroom like laptops and iPads. Using their personally assigned iPad, students are developing routines, safety protocols, and understandings of symbols inherent in iPad applications. These understandings promote independent use across disciplines. In addition, first graders learn how to use an iterative approach to solving problems and testing ideas through coding. Using their personally assigned world wide web accessible code.org accounts, students learn how patterns are used to create algorithms to solve puzzles and mazes. Creating loops, sequences and variables allows students to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills; a skill set that we hope transfers to all their disciplines. Students engage in the study of simple machines through the use of Lego Education WeDo kits. Students learn to construct simple machine models and program them to come to life. Through construction and programming, students reinforce ideas around problem solving, collaboration, design, and engineering. Students learn about motors, gears, pulleys, cams and continue to make real world connections. This unit culminates in the construction of each student's very own automaton constructed from everyday materials.

• Visual Arts

  In the Art Studio the first graders developed their creative and problem-solving skills while learning how to work responsibly and respectfully in a collaborative space. As part of the first semester’s focus on the connection theme, students explored lines, shapes and colors through a variety of art mediums. First, they explored a various lines and shapes with drawing materials, and then they were introduced to create lines by sewing. The students learned about sewing materials and practiced to thread a needle, sew, and finished sewing by making double-knots at the end. During the following collage unit, they focus on cutting and combining various shapes to create works of art. The students completed a collage of person whom they care about as a final project.

• Wellness

  The first grade students explore a variety of Wellness topics this year. They review and practice concepts of personal and general space, how to move safely in close proximity to others and further their mastery of locomotor movements. In addition, students gain an understanding of nutrition related topics and how to make conscious food choices based on a traffic light concept (red, yellow, and green light food categories). The students make the distinction between tossing and throwing techniques, while solidifying their catching skill set. The first graders continue to explore different types of equipment both independently and in small groups and also begin a study of balance, flexibility and strength.