Reading: By the end of the First Grade, students will understand the basic features of text and the
literary elements of theme, plot, setting and characters. They use phonic, syllabication and word parts
to translate letter patterns into fluent oral and silent reading. Students use a variety of comprehension
strategies, such as generating and responding to essential questions and making predictions and
comparisons as they read and respond to a variety of types of literature.

Writing: By the end of First Grade, students will write clear and understandable sentences and
paragraphs that develop a central idea. Their writing considers audience and purpose. They
successfully use the stages of the writing process, prewriting, drafting, revising and editing their work.
They will write compositions that describe and explain familiar objects. They will write and speak with a
command of standard English conventions appropriate to their grade level.

Speaking and Listening: By the end of First Grade, students will give brief oral presentations about
familiar experiences. The presentations will be organized around a theme or theses. Speaking will
demonstrate a command of standard English. By the end of First Grade, students will listen and
respond to oral communications and speak in clear and coherent sentences.

Mathematics: By the end of First Grade, students understand and use the concept of "ones" and "tens". They add and subtract small numbers. They measure with simple units. They describe data and analyze and solve simple problem situations.

History / Social Science: First Grade students continue to learn the broad concepts of rights and
responsibilities in the contemporary world. Students explore the backgrounds of American citizens and
learn about the symbols, icons, and songs that reflect our common heritage. First Grade students will
compare contrast and describe characteristics of people and places.

Science: By the end of First Grade, all students will have science experiences and instruction in
Physical, Life and Earth Science. Students will demonstrate and apply the Scientific Process through
investigation and experimentation using grade level appropriate activities. Students will know that matter
comes in different forms (states) including solids, liquids and gases. Students will know that plants and
animals meet their needs in different ways. Students will know that weather can be observed,
measured and described.