English Language Arts (ELA):   Our Language Arts Series is from Houghton Mifflin.  This program uses phonics based instruction and phonemic awareness activities as well as many levels of readers.  It is a very thorough program that includes reading, writing, spelling and grammar.  We have also incorporated the Four Square Writing program into our curriculum.

Mathematics:  We use Scott Forsman’s California Mathematics series that correlates directly with the California State Curriculum Standards.  It uses a mixture of hand-on manipulatives, skills practice, and problem solving strategies.  We use Math Exemplars (problem solving) also.

Social Studies:  Our Social Studies program is published by Houghton Mifflin.  First grade studies include citizenship, map skills, being an American, Then & Now, diversity and basic economic principles.

Science:  We use the Houghton Mifflin Science Discovery Works.  We study weather, matter, plants, animals, and the scientific process.  We usually take one science-based field trip a year.

Physical Education (PE):  We have trained Instructional Aides who present motor skills with the class on a 1:20 ration twice a week for half an hour.  A wide variety of skills and games are taught.  Classroom teachers also do outside activities on a regular basis.

Art:  All first Grade classes do a wide variety of art projects.  We believe this is how a child expresses himself best while on the road to reading.