Grade 1

Where Curiosity Leads the Way

In Grade 1, the world feels big, exciting, and full of possibility — and our first graders dive in with eager hearts and lively minds. At this age, learning is full of wonder, movement, and discovery. We meet children at their unique stage of growth, nurturing both their playful curiosity and their growing confidence so they feel known, supported, and inspired every day.

Our classroom hums with the happy energy of exploration. Mathematicians build number sense through hands-on games, puzzles, and patterns in our math workshop — turning math into a joyful challenge. In reading and writing, stories take shape through exploring all kinds of books together as readers and where young authors delight in sharing their ideas, bringing characters to life, and proudly reading their words aloud. Grammar, handwriting, phonics, and vocabulary learning are woven into playful activities that spark a love of language.

Throughout the year, our first graders immerse themselves in hands-on, joy-filled projects that connect science, culture, and creativity. They become Storm Chasers! in our Air & Weather study, conducting weather experiments and keeping lively “weather conversations” as the seasons change. In Making Waves!, they explore the magic of sound and light through playful investigations and creative demonstrations. Our Celebrations Around the World project expands their understanding of global traditions through food, music, art, and storytelling. And in Watch Us Grow, students study native plants and animals up close — observing, sketching, and caring for the living things in our schoolyard. Each project blends inquiry, imagination, and hands-on discovery, helping first graders connect their learning to the vibrant world around them.

The arts infuse every corner of Grade 1 life. In art class, children paint, weave, sculpt, and discover how colors and textures can express big feelings and bright ideas. In music, rhythm games, movement, and dramatic play invite students to feel the beat and let their imagination soar. Every subject becomes a place to explore, create, and connect. In Spanish, songs, rhymes, games, and cultural stories broaden our students’ worlds while strengthening listening and speaking skills. Technology becomes a creative tool, too — with iPads used for coding playful animations, programming small robots, and gathering “just right” research.

Most of all, Grade 1 is about building a joyful foundation for a lifetime of learning — one where each child feels proud of their progress and confident in their abilities. Here, curiosity is celebrated, friendships bloom, and the journey of learning is approached with both purpose and play.