Grade 1
Art
In first grade, students continue exploring art as a way to communicate ideas. They draw, paint and build with growing control, learning about color mixing, texture and shape. Students practice sharing their thoughts about art and learn that everyone’s artwork is unique. They also explore how artists around the world use art to share stories and culture.
English Language Arts
First graders continue to build on the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills they learned in kindergarten. They think, talk and write about what they read to show that they understand the important facts and information in the selection. They compare the experiences of characters and explain the differences between different genres. The students use the Reading and Writing Companion in response to reading and as they develop writing for multiple purposes. First grade students develop strong foundational reading and decoding skills through daily structured literacy instruction.
Math
In first grade math, students continue to count, read, write, represent and compare numbers, but now through 120. Students are also introduced to place value. Addition and subtraction begin with single digits. Algebra continues by looking at simple equations. Geometry continues with bar graphs and tally charts. Two big pieces that can be practiced at home are telling time to the hour and half hour, and working with pennies, nickels and dimes.
Music
First graders continue discovering how music moves and connects people. They explore rhythm, melody and steady beat by singing, clapping and playing instruments. Students begin to read and perform simple rhythmic patterns, recognize changes in tempo and dynamics, and respond creatively through movement. They learn that music helps express emotions and brings joy to everyday experiences.
Physical Education
Students strengthen coordination and body control through hopping, galloping, catching and throwing, improving accuracy. They learn to combine movement skills in simple games, dances and activities that encourage teamwork. Lessons help students understand how exercise supports a healthy body and mind. They also begin to reflect on how effort and practice improve their skills over time.
Science
First graders investigate how the world around them changes and moves. They study patterns of the sun, moon and stars to learn how Earth’s movements create day, night and seasons. Students explore how sounds are made and how light allows us to see and make shadows. They observe how living things grow, respond to their environments and depend on one another for survival.
Social-Emotional Learning
First graders focus on friendship—how to make and keep friends and how to communicate with kindness. Lessons help students understand how their actions affect others and build empathy in everyday interactions. They also practice staying focused, following directions and managing distractions. These skills support a positive classroom environment where everyone feels valued.
Social Studies
For social studies, students continue to explore the concept of time by creating personal timelines and comparing differences in their community from “back then” and “right now.” They begin learning how to use maps and to make connections with landmarks and direction. Students also practice citizenship skills, learn basic economic skills of scarcity and trade, and explore their own family history.