Welcome to the exciting journey of first grade! What Do First Graders Learn? They embark on a year of incredible growth, exploring subjects like reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts. This pivotal year builds upon kindergarten foundations, setting the stage for future academic success.
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As your child steps into first grade, a blend of anticipation and excitement is natural. This guide is designed to navigate you through this year of significant development. We’ll explore the first-grade curriculum, from the very first day of school to the milestones achieved by year’s end.
Research from Harvard Graduate School of Education underscores the importance of first grade, indicating that academic trajectories can often be predicted as early as this grade. While early struggles aren’t definitive, they signal the need for targeted support in areas like reading and math to ensure a robust educational foundation. First grade is not just another year; it’s where foundational skills are solidified.
Building upon kindergarten learning, first grade expands on previously introduced concepts. For those curious about kindergarten learning objectives, our guide, What Do Kids Learn in Kindergarten: Important Concepts & Skills, provides a detailed overview.
What Do First Graders Learn?: 9 Key Subjects and Skills
This comprehensive guide details the essential subjects and skills in the first-grade curriculum. Discover what your child will learn in Grade 1, understand the learning objectives, and find engaging first-grade activities to support their educational journey. Use this guide to create a personalized first-grade skills checklist and monitor your child’s progress throughout the year.
1. Reading in the 1st Grade
First grade is often called “the reading year,” a critical period for literacy development. Research highlights that reading proficiency by the end of first grade is a strong predictor of future academic success. A study from Reading Rockets indicates that students struggling with reading by the end of first grade are likely to face continued challenges in later grades, such as fourth grade.
In first grade, the reading level advances significantly. Children learn to decode more complex words, understand varied sentence structures, and begin reading paragraphs. Fluency and comprehension are key goals by the end of the year. Reading skills in first grade focus on crucial elements like reading comprehension, phonics, phonological awareness, and vocabulary expansion.
Here are essential reading skills first graders develop, along with engaging activities to support your child’s reading journey:
- Blending and segmenting single-syllable words.
i) Clap or Tap: Practice phonemic awareness by clapping or tapping for each sound in a word, such as “cat” (/c/ /a/ /t/), then blending the sounds together to pronounce the word.
ii) Stretch Out the Sound: Say a word slowly, stretching each sound (e.g., “d-o-g”). Ask your child to listen and blend the sounds to say the word. Reverse roles, allowing them to segment a word for you to blend.
iii) Blending and Segmenting Games: Interactive games make learning fun. Look for activities where children connect letter sounds to form words or break down words into individual sounds.
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Learn blending and segmenting with fun games!
Begin Blending With Consonant Blends NK and ND
Begin Segmenting With crib and prop
Find Words Using Blending: flat and plot
Begin Segmenting With flesh and plum
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- Understanding letter-sound correspondences in common blends and consonant digraphs (e.g., sh, ch, th).
i) Flashcards: Create flashcards featuring common blends (e.g., bl, cr, st) and digraphs (e.g., sh, ch, th). Show each card and have your child pronounce the sound, then suggest a word that begins with or includes that sound.
ii) Sorting: Write words containing various blends and digraphs (e.g., “ship,” “chip,” “brave,” “crash”) on cards. Ask your child to sort them into groups based on the blend or digraph, reinforcing letter-sound connections.
iii) Blending Games: Explore interactive consonant blend games designed to help children discover words with initial and end blends. For example, children can drag and drop the initial blend “tr” into the puzzle “_im” to form “trim,” learning individual sounds along the way.
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Play and master consonant blends!
Explore Words With Initial L Blends – sl
Build Words With Nasal Blends – nd
Explore Words With End Blends – st
Explore Words With Ending Digraphs – ng
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- Creating new words by manipulating individual sounds (phonemes).
i) Sound Swap: Give your child a word (e.g., “bat”) and ask them to change one sound to create a new word (e.g., changing /b/ to /c/ to make “cat”). Repeat with different sounds (beginning, middle, or end).
ii) Word Chain: Start with a word (e.g., “pan”). Players take turns changing one sound to make a new word (e.g., “pan” → “pin” → “pit”). This exercise helps children understand how sound manipulation changes words.
- Decoding long vowel sounds in one-syllable words.
i) Silent E Words: Introduce words like “cake” and explain how the silent ‘e’ at the end changes the vowel sound to long. Practice reading similar words like “bike” and “rope.”
ii) Read Aloud: Write single-syllable words with long vowels, such as “lake” and “bone,” and have your child read them, emphasizing the long vowel sounds.
iii) Interactive Games: Look for games aligned with the science of reading, which offer structured phonics instruction. Games focusing on long vowel sounds (a, e, i, o, u) through matching sounds to words or identifying long/short vowels can be particularly effective.
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Master long vowel sounds with ease!
Explore Words With Long Vowel A – ai
Vowel Team and Its Name: EA and EE
Practice Vowel Sounds Short and Long I
From Short Vowel O to Long Vowel O
Choose the Correct Vowel Sound: Short or Long U
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- Counting the number of syllables in a word.
i) Clapping: Clap hands for each syllable in a word (e.g., “ba-na-na” = three claps). Have your child imitate this.
ii) Tapping Fingers: Say a word like “apple” and have them tap their fingers on the table for each syllable as they say the word aloud.
iii) Syllable Worksheets: Use printable worksheets for practice. Activities like mazes connecting single-syllable words or syllable counting exercises can be engaging.
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Let’s count syllables!
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**_Related Reading:_** [How to Teach Syllables in 8 Easy Steps](https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/how-to-teach-syllables/)- Reading sight words
i) Sight Words Flashcards: Use flashcards to practice a list of common sight words for first graders like “the,” “and,” and “said.” Have them read the words aloud.
ii) Memory Game: Play a memory game matching pairs of sight words to reinforce recognition.
iii) Sight Word Games: Incorporate sight word games into your child’s study routine. These games often cover both Dolch and Fry sight word lists. Activities involve repeated recognition and spotting of common sight words within groups of words.
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Can you quickly spot sight words?
Sound of the Sight Word: by
Learn the Sight Word: your
Learn the Sight Word: only
Practice the Sight Word: also
Practice the Sight Word: back
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- Identifying root words and suffixes.
i) Write a word like “happily” and guide them to identify the root word “happy” and the suffix “-ly.”
ii) Create a matching game where children pair root words (like “play”) with common suffixes (like “-ing” to form “playing”).
iii) Reinforce understanding with printable worksheets. These can help children create new words using affixes and expand vocabulary with root words.
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Learn root words and suffixes!
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- Answering questions about key ideas, the central message, and details in a text.
i) W-Chart: Use a chart with columns labeled “Who,” “What,” “Where,” “When,” and “Why.” After reading, have your child complete the chart with story information, focusing on key details.
ii) Question Cards: Prepare question cards (e.g., “What is the story mostly about?”, “Who are the main characters?”, “What lesson did the story teach?”). After reading, use these cards to check comprehension.
iii) Reinforce with Worksheets: Use printables to enhance comprehension through activities like selecting the best picture description or identifying the central message of a passage.
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Let’s identify the central message!
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- Describing characters, settings, and major events in a story.
i) Create a character chart where your child lists traits for each main character (e.g., “brave,” “kind,” “curious”) with examples from the story.
ii) Develop a story map with sections for “Characters,” “Setting,” and “Major Events.” Have your child fill each section with story details.
iii) Utilize printables that encourage answering key story questions, comparing characters, and creating original stories using given contexts and pictures.
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Identify story elements!
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- Using illustrations and details in literary and informational texts to discuss story elements and/or topics.
i) Illustration-Detail Match: After reading, have your child select an illustration and explain its connection to a specific text part, such as how it depicts the setting, an event, or a character’s feelings.
ii) Encourage children to visually interpret stories through drawing. Ask them to draw a picture matching a description or caption illustrations. Worksheets can facilitate these activities.
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Read and draw!
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- Reading Books:
Daily reading offers countless learning opportunities for first graders. Quality reading time with parents is crucial to building a reading habit. Books unlock new worlds, offering benefits such as:
- Boosting imagination
- Expanding vocabulary
- Building empathy and comprehension
- Fostering a love of learning
- Strengthening parent-child bonds
Explore these fantastic books to ignite a reading journey, including read-alouds, decoding books for phonics practice, leveled readers, and bedtime stories!
Book 1: Vegetables
Book 2: Adventurous A
Book 3: What are dreams?
Inspire a love of reading in your child! Read Alouds | Leveled Readers | Bedtime Stories
Parents can select between “Read-to-Me” and “Read-by-Myself” modes. The read-aloud feature supports younger or early readers, making independent story enjoyment easier. Full-page illustrations, simple text, and audio support enhance the reading experience.
**_Related Reading:_** [Best Books To Read For 1st graders](https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/best-books-for-1st-graders/)2. Writing in the 1st Grade
Source: @kalpataru.com
In first grade, writing skills develop significantly. Building on kindergarten motor skills, the focus shifts to creative and inventive writing. Encourage your child to use their imagination and create unique stories using fun writing prompts. Help them connect word sounds to written forms. Handwriting improvement is also a key component of the first-grade writing curriculum.
First-grade writing lessons encompass various aspects, reinforced through learning activities for home practice:
- Understanding the right way to use frequency words in writing.
i) Create simple sentences and ask your child to incorporate frequency words like “always,” “sometimes,” or “never” (e.g., “I always eat breakfast”).
ii) Provide sentences and have them select the appropriate frequency word to complete each (e.g., “I ___ go to the park”).
- Writing more detailed and comprehensive texts (introducing a topic, giving some facts, and wrapping it up with a conclusion).
i) Ask your child to write about their favorite animal, including an introduction, facts, and reasons for their preference.
ii) Have them write a simple “How-To” text (e.g., “How to make a sandwich”), focusing on task introduction, step explanation, and conclusion. Use worksheets to guide this process.
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Learn to write “how-to” texts!
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- Writing an opinion on a topic or personal experience and supporting it with reasons.
i) Ask your child to write about their favorite food, justifying their opinion with at least two reasons.
ii) Have them describe a fun day, stating what made it enjoyable and supporting their opinion with reasons such as, “I liked it because I played with my friends and had ice cream.”
iii) Use worksheets designed to help structure opinions using models like the hamburger model.
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What’s your opinion?
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- Learning to use descriptive words and correctly spelling familiar words.
i) Describe an object using adjectives (e.g., “The soft, yellow ball”) and practice spelling familiar words.
ii) Encourage writing short sentences incorporating descriptive words like “big,” “happy,” or “blue.”
iii) Worksheets focusing on descriptive writing using feeling words can be helpful.
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Practice descriptive writing!
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- Write narratives about real or imagined events, describing a sequence of those events.
i) Write a story about a recent trip, describing events in order (e.g., “First, we went to the park. Then we played on the swings”).
ii) Imagine a superhero adventure and describe the step-by-step story progression.
iii) Use worksheets that challenge children to create stories from pictures, enhancing critical thinking and storytelling skills.
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Build your own story!
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- Understand the point of view in a text.
i) Help your child identify the narrator (character or outside narrator). Discuss how point of view shapes event and character descriptions. Ask, “How would the story change if told by another character?”
ii) Worksheets can help children build stories from different perspectives, write about routines using visual cues, and complete conversations expressing viewpoints.
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Enjoy writing your own stories!
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- Creating a response to a text or personal experience through a poem, artwork, play, or other creative form.
i) Have your child draw a picture inspired by a book and explain its connection to the story.
ii) Encourage writing a short poem about a personal experience, like a fun day with friends, using simple rhymes or descriptive language.
iii) Worksheets can provide structured creative writing tasks, like designing birthday cards or invitations.
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Go creative!
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**_Related Reading:_** [Fun Writing Prompts for 1st Grade: Journal Prompts](https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/first-grade-writing-prompts/)3. Grammar in 1st Grade
Grammar is foundational for clear communication. In first grade, children learn basic grammar rules, including sentence structure, punctuation, and parts of speech. These skills enable them to express ideas effectively and understand written and spoken language.
Essential grammar skills for first graders, along with activities for home practice, include:
- Understanding when to use lowercase and uppercase letters while writing.
i) Teach capitalization for sentence beginnings, dates, names, and the pronoun “I.”
ii) Provide sentences in all lowercase and ask your child to correct capitalization.
iii) Give a list of words (names, places, nouns) and have them categorize which need uppercase letters.
- Understanding correct punctuation usage like periods and question marks; learning to edit writing.
i) Write simple sentences and ask your child to decide whether to end with a period (.) or question mark (?).
ii) Read sentences aloud and have them signal when to use a period or question mark based on sentence tone.
iii) Provide short paragraphs with missing or incorrect punctuation and capitalization for correction.
iv) Practice punctuation with engaging activities like filling in missing commas and adding correct punctuation marks.
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- Identify and use frequently occurring parts of speech: Nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, prepositions, determiners, conjunctions, etc.
- Use nouns (singular and plural nouns, common, proper, and possessive nouns)
i) Plural Noun Sorting: Provide a list of singular nouns and have your child sort them based on pluralization rules (e.g., “/s/” vs. “/es/”). Use targeted worksheets for practice, like word searches for singular and plural nouns.
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Enjoy an engaging hunt for singular and plural nouns!
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ii) Create sentences using possessive nouns (e.g., “This is Tom’s book”). Have your child identify common, proper, and possessive nouns at home or in books, listing them separately.
iii) Worksheets can reinforce noun identification and usage, including circling, underlining, categorizing, and using nouns in sentences.
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Learn to identify and use common, proper, and possessive nouns!
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- Form frequently occurring verbs. Convey a sense of time.
i) Verb Charades: Act out common verbs (e.g., “run,” “jump,” “sing”) and have your child guess the verb and use it in a sentence.
ii) Verb Tense Timeline: Write a verb on a timeline (e.g., “play”) and ask your child to form past, present, and future tenses.
Try worksheets to help identify verb tenses.
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Identify the tense!
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- Use frequently occurring adjectives.
i) Describe an object (like an apple) and ask your child to describe it with adjectives (red, round, shiny).
ii) Read stories together and identify common adjectives (e.g., “big,” “happy,” “fast”). Then, ask them to describe a favorite toy using adjectives.
iii) Worksheets can make learning adjectives fun through activities like drawing and describing characters, writing adjectives for favorites, and spotting adjectives in sentences.
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Learn to use adjectives!
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- Use frequently occurring conjunctions.
i) Provide two simple sentences and ask your child to join them using conjunctions like “and,” “but,” or “because” (e.g., “I like apples. I like bananas.” → “I like apples and bananas.”).
ii) Write sentences with missing conjunctions (e.g., “I was hungry, ___ I ate lunch.”) and ask your child to fill in the blanks with the correct conjunction.
iii) Use worksheets where children read passages and identify conjunctions.
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Read the passage and identify conjunctions!
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- Produce and expand simple, compound, declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences. Understand and use question words.
i) Sentence Sorting: Write different sentence types (e.g., “The dog runs fast!” or “Can you help me?”) and have your child sort them into declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory categories.
ii) Worksheets can help children explore, identify, complete, and learn different sentence types through engaging activities.
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Identify the type of sentence!
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- Identify and use frequently occurring prepositions.
i) Place a toy in different locations (on the table, under the chair) and ask them to describe its position using prepositions.
ii) Worksheets provide activities like matching prepositions to pictures, filling blanks in sentences, and preposition scavenger hunts.
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Master prepositions!
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- Use personal, possessive, and indefinite pronouns
i) Play a game replacing nouns with pronouns in sentences (e.g., “Tom is running” becomes “He is running”).
ii) Place items on a table and ask your child to describe ownership using possessive pronouns (e.g., “This is my book,” “That is his toy”).
iii) Read short texts and have them highlight indefinite pronouns (e.g., “everyone,” “someone,” “nothing”), discussing their usage.
iv) Worksheets can help practice pronoun selection and sentence rewriting.
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Explore and learn types of pronouns!
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v) Role-playing can reinforce personal pronoun use as children describe their actions.
- Identify and use determiners.
i) Ask your child to identify determiners in sentences (e.g., “The car is fast”).
ii) Provide nouns and ask them to add appropriate determiners (e.g., “a cat,” “the dog,” “some apples”).
iii) Worksheets can help master determiners through sentence completion and activities identifying determiners in conversation.
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Master determiners!
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**_Related Reading:_** [Best Strategies for Teaching English Grammar to Kids](https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/teaching-english-grammar-to-kids/)4. Math in the 1st Grade
An NIH study emphasizes the critical role of basic math skills, like number system knowledge, in first grade for future math proficiency. First-grade math builds upon kindergarten, making it essential to address any early learning gaps. For more insights, explore our guide: How to Teach First-Grade Math.
First-grade math skills and activities for home reinforcement include number sense, addition and subtraction, geometry, measurement, data handling, and money.
1) Count to 120, starting at any number less than 120.
i) Use a number chart and practice counting from numbers like 83 to 120.
ii) Interactive counting games can reinforce this skill, like counting on a number line or completing number sequences.
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Practice counting numbers up to 120!
Count on Number Line
Connect the Blocks
Count Forward to Find Missing Numbers
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2) Read and write numbers.
i) Practice writing numbers 1-100, then 101-120 on paper.
ii) Use flashcards with written numbers for reading practice.
3) Understand that two-digit numbers represent amounts of tens and ones.
i) Use blocks to group numbers into tens and ones (e.g., 34 = 3 tens and 4 ones).
ii) Write two-digit numbers and have your child identify the tens and ones.
iii) Games using base ten blocks can effectively teach tens and ones concepts.
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Identify ones and tens!
Build a Number Using Tens and Ones
Count in Tens using Base 10 Blocks
Make a Number Using Tens, and Ones
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4) Compare two-digit numbers by evaluating the tens and ones digits.
i) Write two-digit numbers and ask which is larger by comparing tens and then ones (e.g., 47 vs. 52).
ii) Use number cards to compare numbers like 63 and 67, focusing on tens and ones.
iii) Games can help children compare numbers by focusing on digit values.
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Play and learn to compare numbers with ease!
Compare Digit at Tens Place
Compare Digit at Ones Place
Compare using Models
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- Addition and Subtraction: Mastery of addition and subtraction facts within 20 is crucial. First graders should aim for quick recall of these facts. Key skills include:
1) Addition within 100 (adding a two-digit number and a one-digit number; adding a two-digit number and a multiple of 10.)
i) Write problems like “45 + 7” and “30 + 50” for solving using number lines or mental math.
ii) Use blocks to visually represent adding two-digit and one-digit numbers, or multiples of 10.
iii) Fun addition games can reinforce these skills, guiding children through horizontal and vertical problems and using place value charts and base-ten blocks.
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Play and practice addition!
Add 2-Digit and 1-Digit Numbers
Add Using Base-10 blocks
Add Using Place Value
Decompose Teen Numbers
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2) Mentally calculate 10 more or 10 less than a given 2-digit number without counting. Subtracting multiples of 10 from multiples of 10 in the range of 10-90 using different strategies.
i) Flashcards: Use flashcards with two-digit numbers to quickly practice adding or subtracting 10 mentally.
ii) Number Ladder: Start a ladder with a 2-digit number. Mentally add 10 to go up a step and subtract 10 to go down.
iii) Worksheets can enhance mental addition and subtraction skills, teaching strategies using multiples of 10.
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Simplify addition and subtraction using multiples of 10!
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4) Properties of addition and subtraction:
i) Explore the commutative property by swapping numbers in addition sentences to see if the sum changes. Do the same with subtraction to show it is not commutative.
ii) Games can make learning the commutative property of addition interactive and fun.
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Master the commutative property of addition!
Identify Turn Around Facts
Add using Turn Around Facts
Complete the Equivalent Fact
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5) Add and subtract within 20, using strategies such as:
- Counting on
i) “Start from Here” Game: Say a number and have your child count on to add another number (e.g., “5 + 4,” starting at 5 and counting “6, 7, 8, 9”).
ii) Games focusing on the counting-on strategy can use visuals to represent addition problems.
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Master the counting-on addition strategy!
Count On using Objects
Count on to Add
Solve ‘Count On’ Word Problems
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- Making ten; creating equivalent but simpler or known sums.
i) Ask how many more are needed to make 10 from a given number (e.g., 8). Then solve problems using this strategy (e.g., “8 + 5: Make 10 by adding 2 to 8, then add 3”).
ii) Interactive games can reinforce the “making ten” strategy, simplifying mental math.
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Add using the making-ten strategy!
Break up an Addition Sentences
Break up and Make a 10
Add by Making a 10
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- Decomposing a number leading to a ten
i) For “12 + 3,” decompose 12 into 10 and 2, simplifying to 10 + 2 + 3.
ii) Games can teach composing and decomposing numbers to make 10, including activities with number bonds and ten frames.
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Compose and decompose numbers into making a 10!
Two Numbers That Make 10
Complete Number Bonds of 10
Compose and Decompose Numbers with Oolzoos
Compose and Decompose Tens to Make a Number
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- Using the relationship between addition and subtraction
i) Fact Family Triangles: Use triangles to show number relationships (e.g., 7, 3, 10) and write related addition and subtraction sentences.
- Using a number line
i) Number Line Jump: Solve problems by jumping forward (addition) or backward (subtraction) on a number line (e.g., “9 + 4,” start at 9, jump 4 forward to 13).
ii) Number line addition games can help visualize and practice this strategy.
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Practice addition on a number line!
Count On on a Number Line
How Many More using Number Line
Count on using a Number Line
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- Geometry: First graders learn to identify and analyze shapes based on their attributes.
- Understanding defining (sides) and non-defining attributes (color) of different shapes. Drawing shapes with certain defining attributes.
i) Show shapes (e.g., triangle with straight sides) and discuss defining features (e.g., “A triangle has 3 sides”).
ii) Ask your child to draw shapes like rectangles, focusing on defining attributes (4 sides, 2 pairs of equal length).
iii) Games can help identify defining attributes of 2D and 3D shapes.
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Let’s explore shapes and their properties!
Sort Shapes based on Attributes
Count Sides and Vertices in a Shape
Which is not a Closed Shape
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i) Use 2D shape cutouts to combine and create new shapes (e.g., two triangles to make a square).
ii) Use blocks to stack 3D shapes like cubes and cylinders into composite structures.
iii) Worksheets can challenge children to create shapes from smaller shapes.
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Create different shapes!
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- Partitions circles and rectangles into halves and quarters.
i) Fold drawn circles and rectangles into halves and quarters, then color each part.
ii) Cut food items like sandwiches into halves and quarters to demonstrate partitions.
iii) Games can simplify understanding equal parts through visuals.
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Partition shapes into halves and quarters!
Count Equal Parts
Identify Halves, Fourths, Whole
Two Equal Shares
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- Measurement and Data: First-grade measurement and data handling skills include:
- Ordering three objects by length; comparing the lengths of two objects indirectly using a third object.
i) Arrange three objects (pencils, toys) from shortest to longest.
ii) Use a ruler to compare two objects, demonstrating indirect comparison.
iii) Games can teach ordering objects by length through interactive steps and repeated instructions.
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Order three objects by length!
Identify the Longest and Shortest Object
Order Objects by Counting the Squares
Order Objects by Length
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- Measuring the length of an object using same-size “length units” placed end to end with no gaps or overlaps; expressing the length of an object as a whole number of “length units.”
i) Use blocks to measure object length by placing them end-to-end and counting.
ii) Measure with paperclips and express length in “paperclip units.”
iii) Length measurement games designed for first graders can reinforce this skill.
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Play and learn length measurement!
Select the Right Unit
Measure Length using Another Object
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- Organize, represent, and interpret data with up to three categories; answer questions about i) the total number of data points, ii) how many in each category; compare one category with another.
i) Sort toys into categories (cars, dolls, blocks) and create a bar chart to represent counts.
ii) Chart favorite fruits from family or friends and compare data points across categories.
iii) Data handling games can teach data interpretation and answering questions using tables.
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Read and interpret data!
Count and Record Data
Complete the Data
Read the Data
How Many in All
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1) Telling and writing time in hours and half-hours using analog and digital clocks; develops an understanding of common terms, such as, o’clock and half past.
i) Use toy clocks to show times like 3 o’clock or half past 4, practicing saying and writing the time.
ii) Match digital clock times (e.g., 02:30) to analog clocks, explaining “o’clock” and “half past.”
iii) Interactive games can make learning to tell time on analog clocks fun and engaging.
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Tell time on analog clocks!
Read Time in Hours
Read Time in Half Hours
Select the Clock
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iv) Digital clock worksheets can help practice matching analog and digital times.
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Match time on analog and digital clocks!
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2) Identify coins (penny, nickel, dime, and quarter) and their value and use the cent symbol appropriately. Counts a mixed collection of dimes and pennies and determines the cent value.
i) Sort coins into groups (pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters) and identify each coin and its value.
ii) Count mixed dimes and pennies to find the total cent value (e.g., 3 dimes + 5 pennies = 35 cents), using the cent symbol.
iii) Money games can cover coin identification, sorting, and counting.
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Identify and count different coins!
Separate Out the Coin
Identify the Coins
Count Coins of a Type
Use Coins to Make the Given Amount
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iv) Money worksheets can provide structured practice in coin identification, drawing, and counting.
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Practice money skills with fun worksheets!
Identify Coins & Values Worksheet
Identify the Coin Worksheet
Count the Dimes – Worksheet
Match Coins with Their Values – Worksheet
Count All Pennies Worksheet
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**_Related Reading:_** [How to Make Math Fun for Kids](https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/6-ways-make-math-fun/)5. Science in the 1st Grade
First graders explore life science and natural science, driven by their natural curiosity about the world. Science lessons in first grade aim to spark exploration and discovery.
Basic science concepts introduced through pictures and experiments include:
- Understanding the butterfly life cycle.
- Classifying objects by shape, color, material, and texture.
- Identifying and sorting solids and liquids, learning properties of gas, liquid, and solid.
- Understanding heating and cooling effects on water.
- Learning about shadows.
- Identifying living and nonliving things.
- Understanding force, motion, pull, and push concepts.
- Learning about animals and insects: characteristics, body parts, habitats, and life cycles.
- Learning about plants: parts, functions, types, and habitats.
- Understanding Earth’s weather, climate, and rain formation.
- Introduction to measurement tools like thermometers.
- Learning about weather patterns.
- Environmental science basics.
**_Related Reading:_** [Easy Science Experiments for Kids to Enjoy & Learn](https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/kids-science-experiments-to-make-learning-engaging/)
6. Social Studies in the 1st Grade
Social studies in first grade fosters understanding of social skills and the world. It builds on children’s natural curiosity about family and community, exploring family history, cultural diversity, and citizenship.
First graders learn about:
- How language, customs, and traditions shape family and community identity, recognizing cultural similarities and differences.
- Important historical figures, events, symbols, and national holidays like Independence Day and Presidents’ Day.
- The difference between rules and laws, and their role in community safety and rights.
- Traits of responsible citizens, participating in group activities, and environmental care.
- Using maps, symbols, and directions to locate places in the classroom and community.
- How communities modify environments to meet needs (roads, parks) and human impact on nature.
- Developing family history awareness through timelines.
- Understanding the concept of limited resources and making purchasing choices.
7. Geography in the 1st Grade
First-grade geography introduces children to Earth and its features, including:
- Maps and Globes: Using maps (keys, symbols) and globes to locate places (home, school, garden).
- Countries, Continents, and Cultures: Learning about global countries, cultures, and continents, including their own country and state.
- Directions: Learning cardinal directions (North, South, East, West).
- Landforms: Identifying landforms like mountains and islands.
- Bodies of water: Learning about oceans, rivers, and other bodies of water.
- Caring for the Earth: Understanding human interaction and changes to the natural world.
- Exploring local landmarks and areas.
8. Creative Arts in 1st-Grade
Creative arts in first grade extend beyond drawing and painting to music, sculpting, building, and woodworking. First graders are naturally creative, and art classes help unleash their imagination.
Art curriculum for first graders includes:
- Drawing and Coloring:
i) Coloring games combine learning with fun, exploring the world through coloring birds, animals, and everyday objects while learning interesting facts.
Begin here
Let’s color!
Airplane: Sky-high Coloring Adventure
Jungle: Wild Coloring Adventures
Eiffel Tower Coloring Experience
Lotus An Exciting Coloring Adventure
Explore More!
ii) Have students draw favorite places and explain their emotional connection to their art.
- Music:
i) Use music to inspire art. Play classical or instrumental pieces and have students draw pictures reflecting their feelings evoked by the music.
ii) Interactive music games can deepen musical exploration.
Instruments: Violin, trumpet, ukulele, piano, flute, drum set, pan flute, etc.
Features: i) Free-play instrument exploration. ii) Play-along mode for learning tunes with guided key/string presses.
Begin here
Create their own melodies or play along with familiar songs!
Play Old MacDonald Had a Farm Band Jam
Dive into Moo Moo Brown Cow Juke Box
Discover The Dancing Jungle
Explore More!
- Crafts and Projects
- Exploring Famous Artists
- Expressing Feelings Through Art
- Appreciating Beauty in Art
**_Related Reading:_** [Super Cool Art Activities for Kids](https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/art-activities-for-kids/)
9. Physical Education in 1st-Grade
Physical activity is vital, and first-grade PE classes encourage healthy habits and physical skills:
- Exercise and Movement
- Teamwork Development
- Sports Basics Introduction
- Healthy Habits Promotion
- Fun and Fitness Activities
**_Related Reading:_** [Best Energetic PE and Gym Games for Kids](https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/gym-games-for-kids/)
6 Reasons Why Grade 1 Is Important
First grade refines sensory and cognitive experiences, applying them practically. It’s a crucial year, laying the groundwork for future education.
- Building the Learning Foundation: First grade establishes essential skills for future learning.
- The Magic of Reading Unlocks: Reading opens doors to new worlds, knowledge, and lifelong learning.
- Math Fundamentals are Introduced: Basics of math like counting, addition, and subtraction are established.
- Developing Social Skills: First grade fosters friendship, collaboration, and social skills.
- Confidence Building: Success in first grade boosts self-esteem and confidence for future challenges.
- Setting a Positive Tone for Education: Enjoying first grade encourages enthusiasm for learning long-term.
6 Essential Tips for First-Grade Parents
Supporting your first grader involves understanding their learning and easing their transition.
- Visit the School and Classroom: Familiarize your child with their learning environment to increase comfort.
- Communicate with the Teacher: Learn about curriculum and expectations from your child’s teacher.
- Build a Parent Network: Connect with other first-grade parents for support and shared experiences.
- Openly Talk to Your Child: Discuss school expectations—friends, teachers, classroom—to ease anxieties.
- Research the Curriculum: Understand subjects covered by reviewing your district’s first-grade curriculum online.
- Teach Key Concepts at Home: Introduce basic concepts like addition, subtraction, and life sciences before school starts to build confidence.
These steps can prepare you and your child for a successful and exciting first-grade journey.
**_Related Reading:_** [What Do Kids Learn in Second Grade](https://www.splashlearn.com/blog/what-is-taught-to-kids-in-second-grade-important-topics-in-the-syllabus/)Conclusion
This guide outlines what first graders learn, emphasizing varied learning levels among students. Understanding the Grade 1 syllabus and learning objectives helps parents and teachers support children effectively. We’ve covered essential first-grade learning and activities to support each step of their educational journey.
With a clearer understanding of first grade, you can confidently embrace this exciting phase in your child’s education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the basic elements of the 1st-grade course outline?
First-grade curriculum emphasizes foundational skills in reading, math, and social abilities. Key areas include basic math (addition, subtraction, counting), reading and writing (phonics, phonemic awareness, sight words, sentence writing, comprehension), science (life sciences, weather), social studies (family, community, maps), creative arts, and social skills.
Is the structure of first-grade skills the same all around the state?
While core subjects are consistent, specific structure and emphasis can vary across states and districts due to differing state standards and curriculum guidelines. Lesson planning and teaching methods may also differ. Consult your child’s school and teacher for specific details.
What do kids learn before starting first grade?
Pre-first grade learning typically includes letter and number recognition, counting, simple math, phonics, sight words, basic handwriting, and social skills like sharing and following directions, preparing them for structured first-grade learning.
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Jill Baker
Jill Baker has been teaching for 10 years and she loves sharing everything she has learned to help other teachers.
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