Welcome to first grade at WW Irby Elementary School. We are planning an exciting and educational year for your child. Our goal in first grade is to promote student achievement as well as to instill a lifelong love of learning in a positive child centered environment.

READING: First grade is where language and literacy skills combine and children become "REAL" readers. Using state adopted MacMillan/McGraw Hill curriculum, the 5 keys of reading are taught through a variety of motivational instructional strategies. Support and intervention will be provided through guided reading, literacy stations and the basal reader. Our ultimate goal is to model and infuse "Good Reader Strategies" in order to help students develop into independent readers who can eventually connect text to the real world.

MATH: The first grade math curriculum is based on the state approved county adopted Harcourt math program. It provides the students varied experiences with basic facts, practices and skills found in the Sunshine State Standards. Additionally, Every Day Counts Calendar Math is incorporated through an interactive bulletin board which provides daily, visual, hands-on exposure to critical math concepts that helps students develop mathematical competence and confidence.

WRITING: First graders will learn to write both narrative and expository selections. Narrative writings will include a beginning, middle and end. Expository writings explain a topic and should include transition words and supporting details. Throughout writing instruction, students will learn to FOCUS on a given topic, ORGANIZE thoughts, and give SUPPORT through descriptive language and robust vocabulary. Additionally, students will develop their CONVENTIONS (i.e. grammar, mechanics and spelling).

SCIENCE/SOCIAL STUDIES: Through the state approved Scott Foresman Science curriculum, we help children acquire knowledge of the world around them, as well as concepts of investigations. This, in turn, helps to develop the keen ability to ask scientific questions. Our state approved Harcourt Social Studies curriculum guides and helps the students to learn and extend their knowledge about the make-up, history, purpose and differences of not only their community but communities abroad.