First Grade

Goals:
	To provide experiences which meet individual student needs and stimulate learning in all developmental areas.
	To continue the development of positive self-esteem.
	To provide a solid foundation for today's learners to become tomorrow's leaders.

Curriculum:
	Language Arts
		In first grade, children are actively involved in many meaningful, functional language experiences including listening, speaking, writing, alphabetical order, grammar, and telling stories. Our program has been designed to make the most of the strong interrelationship among all areas of communication, with particular emphasis on the reading-writing-thinking connection.
	Spelling
		Our spelling program sets a pattern of success through a structured, sequential development of skills. Our curriculum consists of phonetic sounds and basic sight words. We begin formal spelling lists during the second week of the year. Your child may be encouraged to use "inventive spelling" - it sounds right, but will look unconventional ("ezy" for "easy"). This is the beginning for children to begin to write their own stories.
	Handwriting
		Handwriting is emphasized in the first grade writing program and children are given opportunities to develop their fine motor skills which are necessary when learning to form letters correctly. Scott, Foresman D'Nealian Handwriting is a system utilized by Irby teachers to teach handwriting in a logical program of continuous skill progression. Children learn the basic letter forms, size, slant, rhythm, and spacing necessary for legible handwriting.
	Reading
		Reading is a primary focus in first grade. Reading is taught with basal readers, whole language, and children's literature utilizing a combination of techniques: phonics, sight-word recognition, and picture clues. The first grade curriculum consists of five reading books: three preprimers, one primer, and one first grade reader. Parent participation can greatly accelerate a child's progress in reading. Phonics is taught using Open Court Phonics. These sounds are reinforced with books that are taken home and read to parents.
	Math
		The first grade Saxon mathematics program is designed to give students the power to solve problems by learning how to make math work in any situation they may encounter. Children learn number concepts and operations with real materials that can be observed, discussed, and manipulated. The first grade program covers adding and subtracting, fractions, measurement, money, and time. We work as a team with parents as homework is given three to four nights a week. This is a reinforcement of skills taught that day or previously.
	Science, Health, and Social Studies
		At Irby, health, science, and social studies are non-graded. Children receive either S or N.

Teachers:
	Mrs. Julie Bryan		Mrs. Alicia Patterson
	Mrs. Karen Melvin		Mrs. Fran Schafer
	Mrs. Josie Keen		Ms. Laura Lee Spiker
	Mrs. Nancy Morrison
	Mrs. Lisi Osborne