Language Arts
The student will be immersed in a print-rich environment to develop oral language skills, phonetic skills, vocabulary, comprehension, and an awareness of print materials as sources of information and enjoyment. The student will use listening and speaking skills to participate in classroom discussions. The student will use a variety of strategies to read new words and will read familiar selections with fluency and expression. The student will continue to develop an understanding of character, setting, main idea, and story sequence in a variety of texts. The student will increase vocabulary and comprehension strategies by reading age-appropriate materials across the curriculum, with emphasis on materials that reflect our curriculum in mathematics, science, and history and social science. The student will also demonstrate comprehension of fiction and nonfiction selections through classroom discussion and will begin to communicate ideas in writing. The student will become an independent reader by the end of first grade.
Math
First grade math places emphasis on counting, sorting, and comparing sets of up to 100 objects, recognizing and describing simple repeating and growing patterns, and drawing, sorting, and describing certain two-dimensional figures. Student's understanding of numbers is expanded through learning and applying the basic addition facts through the five table and the corresponding subtraction facts, using nonstandard units to measure, and organizing and interpreting data. While learning mathematics, students will be actively engaged, using concrete materials and appropriate technologies such as calculators and computers.
Science
First grade science will continue to stress basic science skills in understanding familiar objects and events. Students are expected to begin conducting simple experiments and be responsible for some of the planning. Students are introduced to the concept of classifying plants and animals based on simple characteristics. Emphasis is placed on the relationships among objects and their interactions with one another. Students are expected to know the basic relationships between the sun and Earth and between seasonal changes and plant and animal activities. Students will also begin to develop an understanding of moving objects, simple solutions, and important natural resources.
Social Studies
First-grade students are introduced to the lives of American leaders and their contributions to the United States. Students should recognize basic map symbols and construct a simple map of a familiar area. The students will study the economic concepts of goods and services, consumers and producers, and making economic choices. Students should learn to apply the traits of a good citizen and recognize that communities in Virginia have local governments and include people who have diverse ethnic origins, customs, and traditions, who make contributions to their communities, and who are united as Americans by common principles.
Spanish
Exploratory Spanish for first grade students is designed to explore the language and culture of Spain and American Latin countries. Students learn Spanish vocabulary in various units through a traditional classroom setting. Students become aware of the Spanish culture through exploring Spanish customs and Spanish celebrations and by participating in classroom games and activities.
Music
The student is given a foundation for basic music literacy and appreciation. Students experience music sequentially through singing, moving, playing, listening and creating. Music concepts explored in first grade include rhythm, melody, harmony, tone color, form and expression. Exposure to a range of music opens us up to how we perceive and perform music.
Art
Introduction to the elements of art with a concentration on line, color, shape, form and value. Students will further develop these skills by using their imagination, creativity, studies of artists and different artistic styles for inspiration.
Computer
Students use up-to-date technology in all aspects of the academic program at all grade levels. Computers are used to reinforce and enrich skills in math, geography, science and language arts. Problem solving and logical thought skills are reinforced through the use of appropriate software. Word processing, graphic and desktop publishing programs are used to design and publish documents.
Library
At Norfolk Collegiate School all students visit the library weekly for selection of books for course work and independent reading. They learn library organization, proper care of books, and age-appropriate library skills.
Physical Education
The students will demonstrate an understanding of movement that fosters cooperation and sportsmanship. The students will be encouraged to give their best effort at all times.