LOS ALTOS SCHOOL DISTRICT
201 Covington Road
Los Altos, CA
COURSE OF STUDY
FIRST GRADE
Revised 8/06
Adopted Programs:
SRA Math Explorations and Applications 1
CSL Success with Math Coach 1
Replacement Unit: Three Billy Goat Gruff and Wild Things
Baretta-Lorton Math Their Way
Creative Publications: The Problem Solver 1
By the end of first grade, students understand and use the concept of “tens” and “ones” in the place value system. They add and subtract small numbers with ease. They measure with simple units and locate objects in space. They describe data and analyze and solve simple problem situations.
Problem solving with students choosing their own strategies or thinking of multiple possibilities.
Manipulative materials used in lessons to introduce, help explain, and reinforce math concepts.
Cooperative learning activities fostered in small group situations.
Provision for a variety of experiences to develop number concepts and facility with facts. Examples include: real life situations, concrete experiences, applications, justification of reasonableness, and mental computation.
Estimation used frequently to promote a common sense attitude toward math.
Sequential lessons meeting the needs of all children presented from the following strands: number sense, algebra and functions, measurement and geometry, statistics (data analysis and probability), mathematical reasoning.
Adopted Programs:
Houghton Mifflin, Reading
LASD Reading Standards
Word analysis, fluency,
and systematic vocabulary
development
Students understand the basic
features of reading. They select and
know how to translate letter patterns into spoken language using phonics,
syllabication, and word parts. They
apply this knowledge to achieve fluent oral and silent reading.
Reading Comprehension
Students read and understand
grade level appropriate material. They
draw upon a variety of comprehension strategies as needed, including generating
and responding to essential questions, making predictions, and comparing
information from several sources.
Students read a good representation of grade appropriate narrative text.
Literary Response and Analysis
Students read and respond to
a wide variety of significant works of children’s literature. They distinguish between the structural
features of text and the literary terms or elements (i.e., theme, plot,
setting, and characters).
Adopted Programs:
Language Arts: What We Teach (Gr. 1)
LASD Multisensory Program
Houghton Mifflin, Language
Writing Strategies
Students write clear and coherent sentences that develop a central
idea. They are exposed to the stages of
the writing process (i.e., pre-writing, drafting).
Writing Applications (Genres & Their Characteristics)
Students write compositions that describe and explain familiar objects, events, and
experiences. Students writing demonstrates a command of standard English and the drafting,
research, and organizational strategies outlined in Writing Standard 1.0.
Written & Oral English Language Conventions
Students write and speak with a
command of standard English conventions that are
appropriate to Grade 1.
Speaking Applications (Genres & Their Characteristics)
Students deliver brief recitations and
oral presentations about familiar experiences or interests that are organized
around a central idea. Student speaking
demonstrates a command of standard English.
Listening and Speaking Strategies
Students listen and respond critically to oral communication. They speak in a manner that guides and
informs the listener’s understanding of key ideas, using appropriate phrasing,
pitch, and modulation.
Adopted Programs:
Plants and Animals - Their Needs
FOSS, Solids and Liquids
Elementary Science Laboratory Program
Concepts and Content:
Basic Needs of Living Things
Basic need of plants and animals
Scientific Observation/Recording
Drawing inferences and conclusions
Scientific measurement/safety
Classification of Rocks/Minerals
Fossils/change over time
Adopted Programs:
Local History: China Unit
Our Nation's History: Family Unit
Rand McNally Our Wide World
Concepts and Content:
Developing self awareness and self esteem
Beginning citizenship....why we have rules
Significance of holidays
Chinese-American culture
Understanding and appreciating cultural differences
The Los Altos Community
Developing map and globe skills
Study of the Family
Differences in family structure and roles of family members
How families meet their basic needs in different
countries
Children receive daily physical education, concentrating on development of eye-hand coordination, fine and gross motor skills, and ability to cooperate/participate in organized games. A P.E. specialist works with the children every week.
All primary students receive weekly instruction in art and music, plus dance and drama on a regular basis. The District provides trained volunteers through an Art Docent program and a site-based art aide. Some classes also use the trained volunteers provided by Music for Minors.
For children who qualify, the District offers programs for English as a Second Language, Gifted and Talented, Speech and Language Development, Special Education, Psychological Testing and Counseling, and Home Teaching.
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The Los Altos School District Course of Study describes a large portion of the basic curriculum which is presented at each grade level to all children.
Although there is no assurance that each child will master every area, a major effort will be made to ensure maximum understanding and mastery. Some children will master the concepts quickly and will be encouraged to move ahead to the next grade level's material.