Welcome to First Grade

The first grade teachers at LCE realize that this is one of the most important years in your child’s academic career. It sets the foundation for many years to come. We have worked hard to plan our day so it gives children a strong balance in all subject areas.
Several years ago, our district and school implemented a leveled approach to reading called “Guided Reading.” This is so different from when most adults learned to read. One of the main premises is that children read at the reading level that matches their ability. In a single classroom, one child could be reading on a beginning first grade level and another child on a beginning third grade level. Small group instruction allows every child’s needs to be met. The books they read in class will go home in order for them to practice and become more fluent in their reading. As children become skilled in one level, they move on to the next.
Writer’s Workshop is another area where differentiated instruction is present. First grade students will write during this portion of the day on self-selected topics. This again may sound quite different from when most of us were taught to write. Each day there will be a short writing lesson. Afterwards, the children are given time to write and practice what was taught.
In math most concepts are taught through the use of manipulatives and games. This creates a fun learning environment for children. A “Math Excel” worksheet will be completed daily. This sheet constantly reviews past skills in order to keep what was taught earlier in the year fresh in the students’ minds. Another daily math resource that we use in first grade is “Every Day Counts.” This “Calendar Math” provides about 10 minutes of supplementary math instruction each day. It revolves around a simple bulletin board containing a calendar, a counting tape to count the days of school, and other elements that change throughout the year, such as clocks, coin counters and graphs. Each day students use current data to get a new angle on mathematical relationships.
Lexington Creek will be using Scientific Spelling across all grade levels. This will provide a consistent approach to spelling instruction. Students will study a particular pattern every week and will be tested weekly.
The two district science kits for first grade are “Soils” and “Butterflies.” The kits provide wonderful materials and lessons for the children to conduct experiments and investigations regarding the major concepts of the units.
Social studies has many themes throughout the year. They are: School and Community, Patriotism, Family and Cultures, and Careers.
We look forward to seeing your child grow in all academic areas this year.