LANGUAGE aRTS Curriculum GRADE 1
Spelling & vocabulary
Spelling is introduced using a variety of approaches: phonics, rhyme and simple rules covering letter patterns, including consonant blends and long and short vowel patterns. The students learn to recognize common simple irregularly spelled words by sight (you, where, what…).
Children learn compound words, simple words with multiple meanings, and the differences between antonyms and synonyms.
Grammar
Students identify correct capitalization for names, places, and dates. They learn to capitalize the beginnings of sentences and to identify appropriate end marks (periods, question marks).
Handwriting
Students learn to print using lower and upper case letters. Students learn to print words separately in a sentence. We use the Zanner Bloser approach to hand writing. This program works on print formation and leads to script writing as the children progress.
literacy
Children learn how to identify the title page of a book, to recognize that print moves left to right in English, and to distinguish between upper and lower case letters. They learn to read with fluency and comprehension at or above grade level.
Comprehension skills are developed through the use of literature. Children work primarily with picture books, short stories, and poetry. The stories represent a variety of genre, including traditional literature, fairy tales, fables, and drama. The students listen to stories read aloud and learn to make predictions about the content of the text. They will earn to identify characters, setting, and events. They will relate themes, both in fictional and non-fictional writings, to their personal experiences. They learn to retell a story with a beginning, middle and end. The children are able to identify the main event, plot, characters, and settings. They also learn that stories many have morals.
Our students are able to visit the library on a bi-weekly basis. They are able take out their own books to bring home and read with their families.
EXPRESSIVE LANGUAGE
Children give oral presentations on personal experiences and interest using adequate volume, clear enunciation and proper posture. Children also read their stories and compositions out loud in front of the class. The ability to give oral presentations is important because it will lay the foundation for public speaking later in life.