First Grade Curriculum
Deer Valley Unified School District
1st Grade Curriculum
Language Arts
Language Arts is divided into many components that provide a strong language foundation. Your child will develop strategies that will encourage his or her development through the language stages. Reading will be taught through a variety of fiction and nonfiction literature. Your child will write each day. The different forms of writing will be guided through the writing process. Your child's writing will be assessed by the six components of sentence fluency, conventions, voice, word choice, ideas, and organization. Phonics is taught through a hands-on approach that builds phonetic awareness. Your child will have the opportunity each day to read independently at an appropriate level. This is a great way to build confidence, self-esteem, and a lifelong love for reading.
The children will progress toward demonstrating the ability to communicate effectively in the verbal and non-verbal forms of:
Listening - the process by which spoken language is converted to meaning in the mind and impacts all levels of reading and the other language arts.
Speaking - the process of selecting, combining, arranging, and developing ideas for oral expression.
Reading - the process by which information from the text and the knowledge possessed by the reader act together to produce meaning.
Writing - the process of selecting, combining, arranging, and developing ideas in effective sentences, paragraphs, and eventually longer units of discourse.
* Practices writing complete sentences
* Practices capitalizing sentence beginnings and uses end punctuation
* Tells/writes personal experience
* Tell/writes "Thank You" note
* Explores use of rhyme and rhythm in poetry
* Actively and accurately matches letters and sounds
* Makes predictions when reading
* Explores phonics (e.g., initial and final consonants and blends)
* Correctly spells simple, grade-level words
Handwriting
The handwriting program is developmentally based and appropriate for all children. The focus is on using one-stroke letters, straight slant, and letter formation that starts at the spacing and size. A copy of this style is included in this curriculum packet. Please note the proper letter formation when helping your child with handwriting.
Math
* Identifies, describes, extends and constructs patterns in math
* Constructs a simple graph
* Recognizes two and three dimensional figures
* Sorts groups of geometric figures
* Explores measurement using non-standard concrete items (e.g., buttons, popsicle sticks, etc.)
* Begins to tell time (both digital and analog)
* Counts money
* Recognizes some fractions using concrete materials
* Adds and subtracts single digit numbers
* Compares whole numbers
Science and Social Studies
In first grade, Science and Social Studies will be taught through hands-on experiences and authentic literature. Some of the Social Studies and Science themes this year will include - Community Helpers, Relationships, Cultural Awareness, Air and Weather, Solids and Liquids, and Insects. We will also emphasize a variety of traditions and customs through celebrations and parties. For example, first grade will introduce the Spanish culture and traditions though literature and craft activities.
Technology
Students will receive instruction in technology and will learn basic computer skills in accordance with curriculum standards. Technology will be used whenever possible to enhance the first grade curriculum (ie., writing spelling words, practicing math skills, writing simple reports). It is our goal to help children become aware of the importance of technology and be ready for our ever-evolving technological world, to ensure an easy transition from school to career pathways.
Career Pathways
Our Career Pathways System is designed to enhance every student's ability to reach high academic and career standards. Career Pathways integrates the Arizona State Standards, providing the method to make learning relevant and contextual with real world occupations.
Field Trips
Field trips will be taken to enhance the curriculum and classroom studies several times during the school year. Locations and dates of the field trips will depend on units of study.
Assessment/Grading
A variety of assessment tools are used in first grade. These include daily observations, tests and quizzes, dictation tests, portfolios, cooperative work, oral performance, and reading surveys. Deer Valley uses a Deer Valley State Standard Test (DVSST) to measure student achievement.
Grades let you know how your child is progressing. They also tell the children, parents, and teachers whether or not the child understands the assignments and is working hard. The overall neatness of work assignments will be considered when determining grades.
Our report card is aligned with the Arizona State Standards. Students in grades K-2 receive assessment marks of E, S, I, N, and U. We will keep parents informed of student progress through notes home, mid-term progress reports, and quarterly report cards.
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