1st Grade

Welcome to first grade! Literacy is at the heart of the first grade curriculum. We're excited to learn to read and write. For some it is a continuation of the reading and writing they began last year. For some it is new.

Themes throughout the year provide rich content for our reading and writing. In the fall, our major unit of study is communities. We start with the classroom community then we begin exploring the wider Westtown School community. During the month of January we engage in a unit on peacemaking. In February and March we engage in a study of topical rain forests. The late spring finds us busily preparing our class play. We end the year with a study of birds, both on our birdfeeders and around the world.

Daily, throughout the year, the children spend time with our math program, Everyday Math. They work individually and in groups applying math concepts toward the solution of "real-life" problems. Also on a daily basis, the children have choice time, a time to play with their friends inside or outside.

Throughout the year the children are refining their ability to be positive members of a class. They are practicing respectful ways to solve conflicts, work together, encourage one another, and listen to one another.

Quakerism is explored through group discussions of the Quaker testimonies such as simplicity, peace, and equality. Daily silent worship in the classroom helps the children to get in touch with their inner selves. Weekly Meeting for Worship with the entire lower school, in the Meetinghouse, encourages the children to be introspective, to appreciate stillness, and listen to the voice of God within.