First Grade
Our First Grade Curriculum
With our smaller class size, our dedicated staff is able to provide not only an accelerated curriculum for our students, but also a more individualized instruction that benefits students who need additional help and support in an academic area.
At Carden Academy, we consider nothing more important than to help each child learn and grow at their best pace. We have constructed our first grade program with the aim of benefiting all of our students. Our small first grade classes allow each instructor to focus closely on meeting every student’s individual needs, while also offering more advanced curriculum, which will put every student at the head of the curve as they progress through their academic journey.
When you choose Carden Academy of Whittier, you ensure that your child will be exposed to a wide and varied curriculum, filled with all of the skill-sets necessary to help guide their development thoroughly. We offer instruction in physical education, music, foreign languages, art, and advanced academic programs such as STEM. We believe a child’s development is not just cognitive, but also social, creative, physical and more.
WE ARE COMMITTED TO HELP YOUR FIRST GRADER DEVELOP WHOLE.
Schedule a tour to learn more about our First Grade program!
First Grade Objectives
To give each child -
Security in learning, the ability to think, self-reliance, understanding of what he/she is learning, and knowledge of the purpose of that learning; good study habits, love of reading and math, a pleasurable learning experience.
Reading:
Ability to read at sight reading material at Grade 1 level and above; knowledge of sounds in order to solve words (phonics); ability to group words within the sentence so that the child comprehends what is read (rhythmic reading); ability to group the ideas of the sentences so that the significance of what is read is grasped (comprehension).
Spelling:
Ability to spell words that follow the two-vowel rule, vowel-alone rule, and ability to write simple sentences with ease; write the Carden Sounds Chart; recognize long and short vowel sounds and dictionary marks.
Enunciation:
Perfect by frequent drill of words often mispronounced.
Vocabulary:
Interest in words, increase vocabulary with 2,000 new words used repeatedly by the teacher and in literature read to the children.
Articulation:
Ability to express thoughts in group discussions, and use sequential thinking.
Language Mechanics:
Ability to recognize nouns, pronouns, personal pronouns, verbs, and adjectives in text, present tense, first, second, and third person, singular; Not form, question form; past tense, plural; past participles; use of period and comma; use of quotations marks; recognize “Who? Doing? What?”
Creative Expression:
The ability to write original compositions and verbally develop individual and group stories.
Poetry:
The appreciation of poetry and the ability to memorize 20 poems.
Drama:
Experience in being a member of a contributing group, appreciate the blending of voices in group recitation, participate in playlets.
Handwriting:
The ability to print clearly and begin writing cursive letters.
Math:
Add single digit and two-digit numbers, subtract single and two-digit numbers, understand use of the number line, the pairs, the boxes, adding by endings, multiply by two’s, three’s, five’s, and tens, story problems, using addition, subtraction, and number needed patterns (stories and proofs); money, clock, measuring.
Art:
Appreciate at least eight well-known paintings and the artists; work with various media to create original art.
Music:
Perform songs in at least two programs; learn music theory using the Carden Sight Singing method; learn numerous historical songs including part and round singing.
Geography:
Skill reading maps (neighborhood and United States).
Science:
Ability to perform appropriate experiments; science in rhyme.
Physical Education:
Ability to play organized games and perform physical skills. Being active as it relates to ones health.
Social Skills:
Ability to interact appropriately with peers and adults; ability to communicate ideas, feelings, and knowledge.
Computer Skills:
Ability to use a computer for educational games and begin typing. Increase knowledge of computer terminology and use.
Attitude Development:
We discuss Standards of Living and help students to be confident and comfortable in the presence of adults and classmates. Our students practice patterns of acceptable behavior and have a sense of security in learning. Our students are taught to maintain strong values and show appreciation for all that is good.
Field Trips:
Due to COVID-19 we do not have any field trips scheduled for this school year.
After School Clubs:
Tuesdays: Choir and Musical Theater
Wednesdays: Spanish Club and Gymnastics
Thursdays: Reading Club
Books for the pupils -
Reading:
Book 1 The Red Book
Book 2 The Blue Book
Book 3 The Green Book
Workbooks:
Workbook 1
Primary Workbook (Second Semester)
Workbook 2
Spelling Workbook
Math Workbook
Comprehension Techniques
Graduation Book 1
The Farm Workbook
Classics:
Children read: Peter Rabbit, Pelle’s New Suit
Read to children: Goodnight Owl, A Child's Goodnight Book, Animal
April’s Kittens: The Important Book, To Market, To Market
Enrichment: Squirrel Nutkin, The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse
The Tale of Benjamin Bunny