About First Grade

Literacy
In reading, our first grade students build on the concepts of print by reading unfamiliar words with accuracy and expression. They explore grade-level fiction & nonfiction texts. They work to identify differences in text features so they are able to explain the difference between books that tell stories and informational text.

Over the course of the school year, our first grade students explore narrative, information, and opinion writing by illustrating, labeling, and writing a series of connected sentences. The students build on their previous experience as kindergartners as they write using structure (i.e. lead, transitions, ending, & organization), development (i.e. elaboration & craft), and language conventions (i.e. spelling & punctuation).

Math
Our Eureka math modules in first grade explore (1) Sums & Differences to 10; (2) Introduction to Place Value Through Addition and Subtraction Within 20; (3) Ordering & Comparing Length Measurements as Numbers; (4) Place Value, Comparison, Addition & Subtraction to 40; (5) Identifying, Composing, & Partitioning Shapes; and (6) Place Value, Comparison, Addition & Subtraction to 100.

Science
Our current first grade Project Lead the Way (PLTW) units of study include:

  • Light and Sound
  • Light: Observing the Sun, Moon, & Stars
  • Plant & Animal Adaptation


Social-Emotional & Executive Functioning
Throughout elementary school, it is our goal to build our students' capacity to show respect, to work cooperatively, to use time productively, to listen attentively, to follow directions, to organize materials & tasks, to produce quality work, to participate & contribute to their learning, to handle & resolve conflict, and to problem solve & think independently. 

First Grade Teachers

EN Elizabeth Naatz

1st Grade Teacher

KP Katrena Pienkowski

1st Grade Teacher

JS Jennifer Shanahan

1st Grade Teacher