1st Grade Resources

Language Arts:
Northeast Elementary uses a research-based language arts curriculum.  Our  curriculum is designed to help teachers build skillful readers and writers through motivating and engaging literature, scientifically research-based instruction, and a myriad of reliable teaching tools. This balanced literacy curriculum aligns with the Connecticut State Common Core Standards and integrates technology. Students read selections in all genres where oral language literacy and listening skills are stressed. Specific skills are taught during small group instruction where the skills are based on the individual’s needs. Instruction is  focused on comprehension skills and strategies are taught along with story vocabulary, phonemic awareness, phonics, grammar and writing. Students practice these skills multiple times as a whole class, during small group reading instruction, and independently at practice centers or with peers. Teachers differentiate instruction and have a variety of strategies at hand to create successful readers.

Here at Northeast we also use supplemental programs to enhance our learning in Language Arts. 

LEXIA
Lexia® Core5® Reading is an adaptive blended learning program that accelerates the development of literacy skills for students of all abilities, helping them make that critical shift from learning to read to reading to learn.

IXL
IXL uses phonics, reading comprehension,  writing strategies and more. This program helps learners develop the communication skills needed for success in school, college, and career.
 

Math:
Northeast Elementary School uses Everyday Mathematics which was founded on the principle that every child can and should learn challenging, interesting, and useful mathematics. The program is designed to ensure that each of your children develops positive attitudes about math and powerful habits of mind that will carry them through college, career, and beyond. Through Everyday Mathematics’ spiraling structure, your children develop mastery by repeatedly experiencing math concepts in varied contexts, with increasing sophistication, over time. By providing multiple opportunities to access math concepts, you can easily adapt your instruction to better meet the unique learning needs of your children. Research shows that strengthening the link between home and school is integral to your children’s success. That’s why Everyday Mathematics provides a wealth of resources to help you extend what your children learn in your classroom to what they can do at home.

In First Grade, Everyday Mathematics focuses on procedures, concepts, and applications in four critical areas:

•  Understanding addition, subtraction, and strategies within 20.
•  Understanding whole number relationships and place value, including grouping by tens and ones.
•  Understanding linear measurement as iterating length units.
•  Composing and decomposing geometric shapes and reasoning about the attributes of shapes.

Here at Northeast we also use two supplemental programs to enhance our learning in Mathematics. 

ST Math
ST Math is a visual instructional program that leverages the brain's innate spatial-temporal reasoning ability to solve mathematical problems.ST Math’s unique, patented approach provides students with equitable access to learning through challenging puzzles, non-routine problem solving, and formative feedback. With ST Math, students build deep conceptual understanding, and schools see proven, repeatable results.

XTRA Math
XTRA Math is a XtraMath® is an online math fact fluency program that helps students develop quick recall and automaticity of their basic math facts. Students with a strong foundation of basic math facts will have an easier time when they begin to tackle more advanced math, like fractions or algebra. 

Social Studies:
Northeast Elementary School  uses the Stamford Public Schools Social Studies curriculum. This common core aligned curriculum exposes students to several units of study.  Units of study include: 

• Unit 1: History -- We are Family
• Unit 2: Geography -- Our Family on a Map
• Unit 3: Civics -- What is Citizenship?: How is School Like a Family?
• Unit 4: Earning/Spending/Saving: Families Meet Their Needs and Wants (Integrated unit with ELA)

Science:
Northeast Elementary School students have hands-on guided inquiry experiences in Life, Earth and Physical Science units. Those experiences emphasize pure observation and wonder in early grades, building toward more sophisticated science skills such as experimental design and data analysis in upper grades. The SPS elementary science program supports the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Students use their science notebooks to express what they’re learning in science by recording observations, organizing and analyzing their data, and drawing conclusions based on evidence/data that they’ve collected. In science, students have many opportunities to discuss their findings, collaborate, and share their new understanding about scientific concepts. During science, students learn and use science-specific words. All of these skills will help students become scientifically-literate adult citizens capable of making informed decisions.

Social/Emotional Learning:
Northeast Elementary School feels that social/ emotional learning is an important part of the school day. Along with mindfulness daily  activities Northeast uses a supplemental program called Hey Kiddo™ Huddle which is a Social/ Emotional learning program designed by psychologists and educators. Each weekly theme focuses on key topics that kids need now like self awareness, stress management and resilience.  HeyKiddo™ follows the guidelines established by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), the leading policy development group for SEL curriculums. This includes all five Social Emotional Learning competencies included in their guidelines: Self-Awareness, Social-Awareness, Self-Management, Responsible Decision-Making and Relationship Skills.

In addition, our Northeast STAR PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention System) system is in place to recognize positive student behavior and foster community among the staff and students across all classrooms. 

There are rubrics and signage all around the school building so that we are clear with our expectations and are able to share common language with our students.  Individual students and classes earn STAR tickets for showing respect and compassion, helping others, including others, never giving up and/or ensuring safety.  Each month we recognize these students and/or classes for their accomplishments.  By acknowledging our excellence we create the Northeast STAR community.  

We are Northeast Stars, we RISE, and we SHINE!

Homework:
The purpose of homework in First Grade is to give students a chance to practice a skill that was taught in class that day. Homework shouldn't take more than about 25 minutes. Typically students are given a math worksheet as well as a literacy worksheet to complete and we suggest they read for 10-15 minutes daily.  We understand that students might have afterschool activities or events and might not be able to complete it daily so homework is always collected on Friday.