First Grade

ELA 

Like in kindergarten, daily ELA instruction involves explicit instruction in both phonics and comprehension. By the end of first grade, students are expected to apply increasingly complex phonics patterns to accurately and automatically read words — including words with short and long vowels, blends, digraphs, vowel teams, r-controlled vowels, and basic multisyllabic words — and use these skills to read grade-level text with accuracy and fluency.

Additionally, students will build vocabulary and knowledge and demonstrate understanding of literary and informational texts by asking and answering literal and inferential questions, identifying and explaining key ideas and details, retelling and making connections across texts, and using evidence from the text to support their thinking. Students use UFLI for phonics and EL Education for reading comprehension. 

Math

In first grade, students will build on their foundational math skills and push forward by learning about representing, comparing, and ordering sets of objects up to 120. By the end of the year, they’ll gain strong skip-counting skills, providing them with the numerical understanding that will eventually support them learning multiplication and algebra. They will develop computational skills, learn about fractions, create their own patterns, represent data, and learn to tell time. 

Science

In first grade science, students become aware of the physical factors that influence their daily lives. They’ll deepen their skills in posing questions and conducting investigations, and are introduced to the engineering process.

Social Studies

First grade social studies invites students to deepen their understanding of social units — families, schools, and communities — and of concepts like citizenship, geography, economics, and history. They’ll learn about historical figures SUCH AS, national and state symbols, goods and services, and how people and places change over time. By the end of the year, students will know how to ask questions, examine first-person sources, compare perspectives, sequence events, and use evidence to explain their thinking.

Additional Learning Opportunities

First grade students at RPS also receive exposure to the arts, including fine arts and music, as well as the library and PE classes. Many schools also offer periodic Spanish-language instruction — please reach out to your school principal to learn if this is an option. 

Social-emotional Skill Development 

In first grade, students should be developing greater independence, self-control, and confidence in the classroom. They should be able to identify and express their emotions, follow routines, take responsibility for materials and actions, work cooperatively with classmates, and demonstrate respect for different ideas and experiences. Students should also begin resolving simple conflicts through communication and seeking adult support when needed.  By the end of the year, students should be able to manage frustration, wait their turn, listen attentively, show empathy, accept feedback, make responsible choices, and contribute positively to a classroom community.