Reading
In first grade, we use the SuperKids Reading Program. Students will read fiction and nonfiction texts weekly, both as a whole class and in small groups. We focus on developing student skills in the five components of reading:
- Phonemic Awareness: The ability to hear, identify, and manipulate the individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words.
- Phonics: The relationship between phonemes (the sounds of spoken language) and graphemes (the letters and spellings that represent those sounds in written language).
- Vocabulary: Developing knowledge about the meaning and pronunciation of words.
- Fluency: The ability to read text accurately, quickly, and with proper expression.
- Comprehension: The ability to process written text, understand its meaning, and connect it with existing knowledge.
Memory Word Practice
Memory words are key to your child’s reading fluency and self-confidence. Research shows a direct correlation between fluency and comprehension. Students are responsible for knowing the first Fry 100 sight words by the end of first grade. We encourage families to practice these words nightly to increase fluency and confidence. We will assess students and send home a new list when they have mastered their current list.
Spelling
Our spelling words align with the current literacy focus patterns and, if applicable, memory words. The spelling word list will be communicated to families each week.
Writing
First grade uses the Write Now Right Now writing curriculum to introduce multiple writing genres, including opinion, narrative, and informational. Students work on writing complete sentences and applying conventions. As the year progresses, they are expected to add more information and details to support their ideas.
Mathematics
Wolford Elementary uses the Into Math curriculum for mathematics instruction. Into Math fosters a student-centered, growth-mindset culture to build confident, proficient problem solvers. The curriculum emphasizes conceptual understanding over memorization, using a consistent three-lesson structure (build, connect, apply) to link mathematical concepts with procedural fluency, supported by real-time data. Students interact with content as a class, in small groups, and with partners. They improve number sense and learn to communicate mathematical reasoning through games and activities aligned with the current scope of study.
Science
We use the Carolina Institute of Science curriculum to learn scientific methods and address first grade science standards through the following units:
- Physical Science: Students learn about light and sound waves, foundational concepts of how they can be used for communication. They explore these concepts through investigation, discussion, and problem-solving, practicing making predictions, providing evidence and observations, and designing and testing plans.
- Life Science: Students study phenomena related to growth, survival, and reproduction of organisms. They identify unique structures, explain life cycles and parent–offspring relationships, and draw conclusions about traits indicating family relationships. Students compare these concepts to their own human abilities and needs.
- Earth Systems Science: Students observe patterns in the sky and connect them to Earth and space science concepts. They explore these through investigation, discussion, and problem-solving, practicing predictions, evidence gathering, and designing and testing plans.
Social Studies
At Wolford, we teach Social Studies Common Core Standards through these topics:
- History: Students learn about time by exploring the calendar and understanding how days, weeks, months, and years are organized. They also explore diverse perspectives and traditions of families from many cultures.
- Geography: Students develop basic geography skills by learning to read simple maps and use directions. They identify key map features and practice giving and following directions to locate places and things.
- Economics: Students identify and understand the value of U.S. coins—pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. They learn to count groups of coins and use money to solve simple real-life problems, such as buying items in a classroom store. They also learn about goods and services, needs versus wants, types of jobs, and how people earn income. Discussions include planning to spend, share, and save money.
- Civics: Students learn that effective groups have responsible leaders and team members.
Students will also learn about notable people, places, and holidays. We explore various American symbols and what they represent.