First graders want to read, listen to, and talk about a wide range of books, including picture books, poems, short chapter books, and short informational materials. They are able to predict, sequence, and summarize story events. They expect the text to make sense, and, if necessary, they make a second attempt and reread. These students talk about themselves as readers.

First grade students work each day in the areas of phonics and phonemic awareness utilizing a program called Fundations and another called Heggerty. Their work in the area of comprehension is guided by a curriculum known as Wit & Wisdom. These programs support the "Science of Reading" which is a comprehensive approach to helping students "learn to read" and then "read to learn" throughout their educational career.

First graders write to tell about an experience, to tell a story, or to describe. They use both words and pictures. They use phonetic or “temporary” spelling as a strategy, but are growing in their knowledge of standard spelling. Writing is fully embedded within the Wit & Wisdom curriculum. Students write each day as part of their ELA instruction as well as being presented with daily writing opportunities in other subject areas.

Candler Elementary

First Grade Curriculum Overview

English Language Arts (ELA)

Math

Social Studies

Science

Art/Music

Health/PE