- Cathcart Elementary
- Elementary Curriculum Overview
1st Grade
Math: Bridges in Mathematics
In first grade, children will learn to add and subtract within 20, begin to count beyond 100, and continue to develop their understanding of place value. They will also use mathematical reasoning to collect, show and interpret data on a graph, describe attributes of shapes, and learn how to tell time to the hour and half hour. The curriculum provides lots of hands-on practice, and opportunities to play math games to help children engage in playful learning. The Math Learning Center has a wide variety of resources for families to engage in fun math activities at home. Common Core Math Standards
Reading: Fountas and Pinnell Classroom
Students are immersed in a wide variety of informational and fiction texts through read aloud, and shared reading experiences in first grade. They learn about common spelling patterns for words with short and long vowels, which helps them begin to read short texts with a few sentences per page. Students rely heavily on pictures to deepen their understanding of texts read independently and read to them. They also build their high frequency word knowledge, which helps them begin to read fluently and smoothly. Common Core ELA Standards
Writing: Being a Writer
The focus in first grade is developing a community of writers where students can become confident to communicate through written text. Students learn about different text types, including personal narrative, informational, and opinion. They also begin to elaborate in their writing by adding details and telling more. By the end of the year, students can write a piece with several sentences including a clear beginning, middle, and end. Common Core ELA Standards
Science: FOSS (Full Options Science System)
Students learn about science and engineering through hands-on, collaborative units rooted in inquiry and discovery. Teachers refer to NGSS Science Standards and use FOSS Science kits to create student-centered learning opportunities that help children learn to problem-solve, communicate and collaborate while learning important scientific concepts. Next Generation Science Standards
Social Studies: Students learn about families (near & far; now & then) in first grade. Teachers use supplemental materials to support the Washington State Social Studies Standards.
Social-Emotional: Second Step
Children learn social-emotional skills in a variety of ways, including the behavior they see modeled by the adults in their lives. Social-emotional skills and concepts are also taught explicitly in the classroom, in much the same way math or reading is taught. Second Step provides whole class lessons in growth mindset and goal setting, emotion management, empathy and kindness, and problem solving.
Music: Spotlight on Music
Our music teachers use Spotlight on Music curriculum to deliver high quality spiraling curriculum. Students learn about, listen to, and perform authentic music while building music and literacy skills. Music Standards
Physical Education: Five for Life Basic PE Curriculum
Our elementary students learn about and practice the five components of fitness, which include cardio-respiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and body composition. They also practice The Skill-Related Components of Fitness: Agility, Reaction Time, Balance, and Coordination. Physical Education Standards