First Grade - Gilmour Academy Lower School

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GILMOUR ACADEMY LOWER SCHOOL C U R R I C U L U M S P E C T RU M FIRST GRADE

Educating the Mind and Heart Gilmour Academy 34001 Cedar Road Gates Mills, Ohio 44040 (440) 473-8160 PHONE (440) 473-8157 FAX

Brother Robert Lavelle, C.S.C. Headmaster Dr. Monica M. Veto Director of Lower School and Montessori Preschool Program

MATH First-grade math includes developing the areas of algebraic thinking, data analysis and probability, and problem solving all tailored to each child’s personal level of maturation and skill development. Activities include weighing a multitude of objects; measuring the height, weight, and perimeter/circumferences of various animals, plants, and items found in their everyday life; “purchasing” goods and materials; constructing and analyzing numeric and geometric patterns; and the generation of multi-operation equations from real-world situations. Students are given opportunities to hone their computational skills including 3-digit addition, 3-digit subtraction, and simple multiplication and to apply these skills to their science projects. Through a combination of engaging activities and sequential skill development, students develop an appreciation for the inherent logic of mathematics, the prerequisite skills for advanced mathematical concepts and successful computation, the value and usefulness of estimating and organizing data, and the confidence to approach new and challenging problems.

SCIENCE The first-grade science program is both child-centered and rigorous. Topics that are of natural interest to students of this age were chosen such as animals; seasonal adaptation (hibernation, migration and bodily changes); magnetism; liquids, solids, and gases; the polar regions; the Amazon Rainforest; and the sun and the moon. These subjects become the mechanism to tap into each student’s curiosity and to foster analytical thinking, reasoning, communication, and observation skills. Students are provided with a multitude of opportunities to experience and study

Megan Marrie Director of Lower School Admissions (440) 473-8165

nature firsthand by utilizing Gilmour’s extensive campus and field trips as well as books, magazines, videos, and websites. They develop research questions; conduct research and investigations; prepare and present simple reports; write a class book composed of their individual research reports; create charts and bar graphs reflecting their findings; work with a host of tools such as thermometers, scales, balances, and magnifying glasses; and prepare a school-wide exhibition of their polar studies.

LANGUAGE ARTS The first graders begin their journey of the English language via the use of phonics, spelling, and other decoding strategies. The children look for patterns within words which aid in the pronunciation and syllabication of words. The students gain an understanding of what constitutes high-quality written work by practicing the elements of a trait writing process and grammar. The Six Trait + 1 writing program, which consists of ideas, organization, word choice, sentence fluency, voice, conventions, plus presentation is used throughout the year to develop writing skills. Children analyze various genres such as fiction, non fiction, fairy tales, legends, and fantasies. Students employ skills such as sequencing of events, predicting outcomes, and comparing and contrasting characters to insure text comprehension. The first graders concentrate on short and long vowel word families and blend sounds, smaller words, and familiar sounds within words.

They learn to differentiate between the main idea and supporting details and study story elements – setting, characters, problems, and solutions. Spelling tests are used to reflect on word families and are analyzed and reviewed. When they compose, the students brainstorm, research the Web, create rough drafts, and learn to edit.

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LOWER SCHOOL CURRICULUM SPECTRUM • FIRST GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES The first graders begin the year by studying their personal families and the diversity of family life in a community. They explore the meaning of families and extended family members. Students delve into community life found in the urban and rural areas.

Their final topic is to select and research a community helper and connect the interdependence of all community helpers. Students also work on mapping skills and study the differences between maps and globes. They create a bird’s eye view of their classroom in a map and study map keys and symbols. They explore the view of map guides in locating cities and rivers and are introduced to the concept of landforms – plains, mountains, valleys, and bodies of water. In contrasting the differences between urban and rural areas, they focus on the goods and services produced in each.

First graders also learn about historical figures and other noteworthy Americans and their contributions to our nation’s cultural heritage. Additionally, the students virtually travel to and research the polar regions.

MUSIC Gilmour first graders learn to identify and demonstrate contrasting elements of music – dynamics, loud/soft; tempo or beat, fast/slow; and melodic movement, up/down by steps, skips, or repetition. They sing predominantly American folk songs as they learn correct rhythm and to develop accurate pitch. The class focuses on Woody Guthrie’s music, which is integrated with the study of migration in science. They also sing and analyze how his songs reflect conditions in America’s Dust Bowl. As the students begin keyboard instruction, they learn the names of keys, finger numbers, and how to transfer simple notation moving up or down by steps, skips, or repetition to improve performance at the keyboard. Their music education is enriched as the result of a partnership with The Cleveland Orchestra. An orchestra member performs twice for the class at Gilmour and the class also attends an orchestra performance at Severance Hall. In their Christmas concert, the first graders sing while playing hand chimes and percussion instruments. A spring concert integrates music with the science of Arctic and Antarctic animals.

ART In the first grade, the program seeks to reinforce the concepts exposed during the kindergarten year and promote them to an age-appropriate level of sophistication. Greater distinctions among the elements of design are forged as well as concepts relating to the

breadth of their application. New topics are introduced, emphasizing the organization of compositions and organizational processes of looking at art or art models.

Projects emphasizing the use of space in two and three dimensions introduce the consideration of subjects from life as well as imagination from external and internal perspectives. The function of art is presented as well as the art of function.

RELIGION In first grade, students build on their understanding of God and His creation by exploring the responsibilities that humans have to be stewards over the many gifts that surround us. First graders also develop their understanding of Jesus by examining the lessons and virtues that can be found in His many parables.

Throughout the year, students experience the meaning and importance of the different Liturgical seasons through daily prayer, reflective thinking, and celebrations of the Liturgy. Students learn about their classmates’ religious traditions.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION In grades 1 and 2, students participate in four 30-minute periods plus two 25-minute recess exercise periods per week where they engage in team games and physical activities, and in one 90-minute physical education class.

Phys Ed rotates among sports, strength and conditioning exercises, swimming, and ice skating each for one quarter during the school year. Students develop skills in volleyball, basketball, floor hockey, lacrosse, T-ball, and baseball. In their strength and conditioning program, students work at stations using equipment such as run out bands, rock and flex, and others.

These activities improve agility, speed, endurance, balance, hand-eye coordination, and upper and lower body strength. Their progress is documented and analyzed. The objective of the ice skating unit is to teach students fundamental movement skills on skates to improve balance and technique, so they will enjoy skating and incorporate it into a lifelong activity. They learn edge control; to stand and sit on the ice; and to move forward, glide, and come to a snowplow stop.

At the end of the skating unit, students complete a short program that encourages creativity, self-expression, and skill performance. In swimming, students work toward feeling safe and comfortable in the water, build endurance, and gain an understanding of water safety.

They learn to kick, with or without flotation aids, for one length of the pool; swim underwater for five yards; float on their stomachs and backs; and change direction and position as they swim.