First Grade: Gaining Independence and Adjusting to More Demanding Academics Astounding progress is made in all areas of language arts in first grade.  The selected reading and writing program ensures the key principles for success - phonemic awareness, letter-sound association, letter formation, sight vocabulary, listening, thinking, comprehension, and spelling -  are taught thoroughly, and the students emerge as strong, independent readers and writers.  It is supplemented with leveled readers to meet individual needs. Math is taught at an accelerated level - and success is ensured through direct instruction of incremental skills, student participation, hands-on activities, and repetition.   Mental mathematics is an emphasis with multi-sensory approaches that build confidence and develop a solid foundation in the language and concepts  necessary for a lifetime of success in mathematics.   Social studies and science activities are woven into the curriculum, introducing interesting and exciting topics of study.  Both reinforce the basic skills of reading, writing, and mathematics. Poetry is built into the language arts program, as well.  The children each produce a booklet full of poetry for the year.  Each week a poem is read, discussed, and individually illustrated.  First grade teachers read one Read Aloud chapter book a month, which typically correlates with the Character Education Program.  For example,   Charlotte's Web in September illustrates friendship, kindness and building a caring community.   Each student presents "news" to the class . . . something of interest to the child that can be shared or taught to the other students.  It might be a science project, an art project, or any subject of interest.   In encouraging leadership skills, a Star Student is chosen each week to be the leader of the class.  The child also illustrates an All About Me poster and presents it to the class, which gives the children an opportunity to learn more about each other and helps to personalize the program. Field trips add to the program, and are selected to support the curriculum and motivate the children.  Various destinations have been chosen over the years - the ocean for whale watching, Sea World for an educational program, and/or a hike to the local fire station. First grade culminates the year with a trip down to the beach for a limbo and sandcastle building contest!