GRADE ONE GENERAL STUDIES

Overview

A primary goal of first grade is to increase the students' levels of excitement, curiosity, and motivation. First graders move towards more formalized instruction, an experience that is built upon the strong foundation provided by the Early Childhood Center. As such, considerable time is spent helping the students develop life-long learning and study skills. Such skills include following directions, respecting others, completing tasks in a timely manner, and working in a neat, responsible, constructive, and organized way.

Language Arts

Students study the communication arts - reading, writing, speaking, and listening - in order to better appreciate the beauty of literature as well as improve memory and auditory perception and discrimination. Students learn how to read all letter sound combinations fluently, and use a variety of methods to attain improved vocabulary and independent comprehension. They write to refine the necessary motor skills as well as to learn the conventions of print and the ability to communicate a coherent chain of events for a specific purpose to a specific audience.

Mathematics

Students are encouraged to think and reason mathematically, with the goal of developing problem solving skills that they will find useful beyond the realm of mathematics. Although emphasis is also placed on terminology, understanding mathematical concepts is the primary goal. Students master addition and subtraction, and also gain a basic understanding of both time and money. Manipulatives and geometry offer the opportunities for understanding fractions. Students explore the concept of measurement as they solve a range of word problems, and interpret and complete graphs.

Science

By studying various living organisms, the senses, seasons, and personal health, students learn ecological sensitivity and are introduced to the scientific method as a means to both observe and arrive at specific conclusions. Students enjoy hands-on laboratory experience in both the science laboratory and the classroom. Students also conduct experiments in order to learn how to measure weight and mass.

Social Studies

The social studies program focuses on helping the students learn about their roles as members of their family community and of the community that surrounds the school. The development of identity and social interaction is stressed. Students learn about families now and long ago, and study the different kinds of families that exist in different communities and different societies. Students also learn to use a map to locate places and learn how maps serve as a representation of physical features and objects. The program encouragees interdisciplinary learning to help develop the content, concepts and skills outlined in the program.

Art

Students continue learning about the fundamentals of art, including mixing primary colors to make secondary colors, and using brushes to make controlled strokes. Students create clay pots out of coils, and sew hand puppets. They learn about Vincent Van Gogh and his style of art and methodology of painting.

Music

Students enjoy a two-semester program involving singing, programs, and music appreciation. They meet weekly in a music room equipped with musical instruments and stereo equipment, where they learn the basic musical tools of melody, tempo, dynamic, and singing on key. They use percussion instruments and movement to learn basic concepts of rhythm. Students develop their concentration skills as they sing old and new songs in English and Hebrew and prepare for their Chag ha-Siddur. They study Mozart and listen to The Magic Flute. As students learn to read, they read the lyrics of the songs that they learn, many of which are related to calendar events such as chagim and secular holidays. Students enjoy Friday afternoon Shabbat assemblies and special programs, including concerts. They perform in Zimriah, a yearly musical program linked with a particular chag or calendar event.
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