Curriculum Reading/Language Arts In First Grade our primary focus is learning to read. We use phonics, the district basal reading series, trade books, and literature, all within a Balanced Literacy model. In addition, through the use of this model students begin to acquire writing skills. Students write daily using personal experiences. It is suggested that students try to complete reading 25 books during the year. Students participate in Book Club 3 days a week. During this time, students read each day with an adult volunteer and then read the same book with their family each night. Mathematics Math skills are taught using the Everyday Math Curriculum. The following content areas are covered: operations and computation numeration patterns, functions and algebra data and chance measurement geometry Core Knowledge Our Core Knowledge sequence includes the study of: Geography Early People Nomads and Hunters Mayans, Incas and Aztecs The First Three English Colonies Roanoke Jamestown Plymouth The Thirteen Colonies and the American Revolution Black History (Dr. Martin Luther King) American Symbols American Westward Expansion Women's History Ancient Egypt Modern Mexico