Grade 1 Curriculum Summary


Mathematics
The big ideas in grade 1 include: developing understanding of addition, subtraction, and strategies for addition and subtraction within 20; developing understanding of whole-number relationships and place value, including grouping in tens and ones; developing understanding of linear measurement and measuring lengths as iterating length units; and reasoning about attributes of, and composing and decomposing geometric shapes. The content is organized into the following units:
• Adding, Subtracting, and Working with Data
• Addition and Subtraction Story Problems
• Adding and Subtracting within 20
• Numbers to 99
• Adding within 100
• Length Measurements within 120 units
• Geometry and Time
Throughout these units first grade students will engage in mathematical practices—making sense of problems, reasoning abstractly and quantitatively, making arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others, modeling with mathematics, making appropriate use of tools, attending to precision in their use of language, looking for and making use of structure, and expressing regularity in repeated reasoning.

Reading
• Show an interest in books through questions and discussion
• Participate in book discussion with partners, small groups, and whole class
• Read books at independent level
• Begin to read, recognize and understand characteristics of various genres
• Recognize high frequency words
• Recognize story elements (character, setting, plot) in simple texts
• Read independently
• Retell a story in sequence using beginning, middle and end
• Read to acquire information
• Use comprehension strategies while reading to make meaning
• Increase knowledge of word structure and vocabulary

Writing
• Use stages of the writing process including, drafting, revising, editing and publishing
• Use oral storytelling to plan writing
• Use pictures and sentences to tell a story across multiple pages
• Experiment with writing in different genres and for different purposes
• Use mentor text to learn crafting techniques
• Write with voice
• Use phonetic spelling
• Use the word wall and other spelling resources
• Spell grade level high frequency words correctly
• Use capital letters to begin sentences
• Use ending punctuation
• Experiment with punctuating dialogue

Handwriting
• Write legibly
• Use spaces between words

Science
We have completed aligning Needham’s elementary & science curriculum with the MA science & technology/ engineering framework. New units incorporate aspects of Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT.)
Grade 1 content topics are:
• Observing Weather, Seasonal Changes and Sky Patterns* (Earth Science) *revised for 2023-24
• Life Cycles of Plants & Animals (Life Science)
• Sound & Light (Physical Science & Engineering)

Social Studies
Students learn about geography and engage in inquiry-based social studies as they study the following units:
• Self and Society
• Calendar/Holidays
• Maps/Directions

Spanish Language & Culture
Novice Range Skill Development
Using practiced or memorized words and phrases, and with the help of gestures or visuals, students will be able to:
• Introduce oneself
• Understand memorized or familiar words, phrases and questions in conversations
• Provide information by answering a few simple questions on very familiar topics
• Express basic preferences (likes and dislikes)
• Express feelings
• Interact at a survival level in some familiar everyday contexts
• Demonstrate awareness, curiosity and appreciation for different cultures
Topics and Themes:
• The school day: What do we need for school? Who are members of our school community?
• Body: How do I express when I don’t feel well or something hurts?
• Healthy eating: Fruits and vegetables I like to eat
• Family and Pets
• Going to the zoo!

Art
• Uses problem solving to create and refine works of art.
• Use artistic tools appropriately to create works of art that express specific concepts such as line and color.
• Uses a sequential process in creating works of art and is able to communicate this process to others.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the Elements and Principles of Art and Design. Be able to apply these principles in artistic work in a developmentally appropriate way.
• Connect with art in other settings
• Solve artistic problems and think critically and creatively
• Make connections between an artwork and their personal experience
• Use line to create different patterns
• Mix and identify primary and secondary colors
• Experiment with paints
• Explore and create texture

Music
• Explore different musical ideas by experimenting with the voice or instruments
• With support, identify basic elements in familiar songs (including tempo, dynamics, rhythm, melody)
• Recognize loud/soft, high/low, and fast/slow qualities in music
• Demonstrate a steady beat to given music
• Demonstrate understanding of melody and melodic direction
• Listen to, move to, and sing a variety of repertoire
• Begin to read rhythmic notation
• Demonstrate the ability to use a healthy singing voice

Physical Education
• Experience the joy of movement with self and others
• Learn movement concepts and skills that will lead to enjoyable participation in activities/games/sports
• Use proper form to throw underhand
• Demonstrate ability to catch a self-tossed object
• Demonstrate ability to skip using proper form
• Demonstrate the ability to forward roll
• Demonstrate ability to dribble a ball alternating hands
• Demonstrate ability to dribble a ball with feet

Media & Digital Learning
• Know the book check in/check out procedures and circulation rules
• Identify parts of the book collection by proper name
• Identify particular authors and illustrators
• Practice active listening skills during read aloud lessons
• Work cooperatively with others when using technology
• Present information orally with print or digital illustrations
• Use digital drawing tools independently
• Include graphics in digital documents
• Type simple sentences with assistance
• Access information from a web site with assistance
• Use STEAM design process to solve problems
• Learn definitions and examples of cyberbullying
• Begin to become aware of safety rules for the use digital devices
• Further use cloud-based learning systems to access and complete assignments and collaborate online

Social & Emotional Learning
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children acquire and effectively apply 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. SEL is more than just a program or lesson. It is about how teaching and learning happens, as well as what you teach and where you learn. There are a variety of approaches used to teach SEL including:
• Free-standing lessons designed to enhance students’ social and emotional competence explicitly.
• Teaching practices such as cooperative learning and project-based learning, which promote SEL.
• Integration of SEL and academic curriculum such as language arts, math, social studies, or health.
• Organizational strategies that promote SEL as a schoolwide initiative that creates a climate and culture conducive to learning.
At the elementary level, the Responsive Classroom Approach is used to promote well-designed practices intended to create safe, joyful, and engaging classroom and school communities. The emphasis is on helping students develop their academic, social, and emotional skills in a learning environment that is developmentally responsive to their strengths and needs.
Students develop their SEL skills across five competencies:
• Self Awareness
• Self Management
• Social Awareness
• Relationship Skills
• Responsible Decision Making

Grade 1 Racial Literacy
We Are Part of a Larger Community: Encouraging Kindness, Social Awareness, and Empathy
Students explore identity and build a positive sense of belonging to an inclusive classroom and school community.



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