The language arts program in first grade is an integrated approach to reading and writing. We use the Houghton Mifflin Reading series adding a strong phonemic awareness component developed by first grade teachers of WJHSD. Children learn to read by using good literature as a basis for daily lessons. Continuous practice builds decoding and sight word recognition skills which improve fluency. Creative writing is also emphasized and early in the year invented spelling is used. As the students build stronger spelling skills however, editing and self-correction will replace invented spelling errors. Grammar skills are introduced and reinforced through the writing process. Direct instruction in Handwriting is also emphasized during the first semester.

The West Jefferson Hills School District adopted a textbook published by Harcourt for Math. Throughout the year, first grade students will learn addition and subtraction facts to eighteen. Other math concepts introduced are time, measurement, money, fractions, probability and graphing. Problem solving strategies are emphasized throughout all the math concepts introduced. Manipulatives such as bears, blocks, coins, shapes, clocks or number lines are used daily. We count, sort and graph m&m's, jelly beans, and candy corn.

Use this link below to visit the Harcourt website for fun activities for you and your 1st grader!

Harcourt

During the fall semester we explore many topics that are part of our Social Studies curriculum. Holiday celebrations - family, school and community roles - early and key US historical events, people and symbols - and map skills. Weekly Readers are also part of our Social Studies curriculum to present relevant current event topics to the students.

During the spring semester the Science curriculum is formally introduced. We currently use "Asset", a hands-on elementary Science program. Two units of study are presented - Organisms and Weather. We create aquariums and terrariums. We adopt guppies, snails, pill bugs and millipedes. We plant and record the growth of seeds. During the Weather unit we make and use tools to measure elements of weather. We learn to read thermometers, make rain gauges for measuring rainfall amounts and flags to measure wind speed. With such a dynamic program we're sure to plant the seeds for our future scientists!