In first grade, students take important next steps in reading, writing, and problem-solving, while continuing to grow socially and emotionally. The class sizes and close, nurturing community that make Rockwern special in the ECEC and kindergarten continue for our first graders. We love our students, and we value our classes that allow us the time to focus on each child as an individual. While we challenge them academically, we also respect and understand students’ needs for movement, breaks, time to socialize, and opportunities for play.

In first grade, children are still very much learning how to “do school.” The habits they form and the attitudes that are developed in these early years are crucial to their success. We continue to use the Responsive Classroom framework to teach and strengthen important social skills as well as academic and organizational skills. Part of this effort includes a daily “morning meeting,” which helps us build our classroom community and contributes to the creation of a safe and welcoming learning environment in which students feel comfortable taking academic risks. 

  • Much of our first grade program is differentiated to accommodate each child’s specific needs. Our reading program, Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts, is built on the science of reading and has been recognized as a program that excels in building knowledge. Children enter first grade with a wide range of abilities. Each child is assessed individually to determine their reading level, and both small group guided reading and individual independent reading are tailored to their instructional level. The year begins with units on fables and stories, the human body, different lands with similar stories, and early world civilizations. Our reading specialist works with students who need an added level of support. Books shared with the whole group are used to teach essential grade-level skills. First graders will focus on narrative, expository, and opinion writing. They write both fiction and non-fiction pieces. We explore various topics, interests, and passions and use them as a platform for student writing. 

  • Our math program in first through sixth grade is enVision Mathematics which is Common Core-based and aligned with state standards. Common Core math emphasizes a deep understanding of math concepts, though it often looks somewhat different from the math parents remember learning. In first grade, students are expected to master addition and subtraction and are introduced to place value, graphs, measurement, time, and two- and three-dimensional shapes. We understand that students enter first grade with a vast range of mathematical understanding. We strive to meet students at their individual level, and our math specialist is available to work with students who may need an added layer of support or enrichment.

  • Social studies and science are both incorporated into language arts in first grade. Students will explore animal behavior and habitats, day and night patterns, light and sound, astronomy, and the history of the earth. Our students also use Mystery Science which is an innovative, hands-on program designed to scientifically answer real questions kids have about the science they observe every day.

  • Throughout our school, we seek opportunities to integrate the Judaic studies curriculum with general studies. Art is a great example of this. First grade has art twice weekly, and the first grade curriculum includes making Jewish ritual objects to use in their homes. First grade students also enjoy music weekly and are introduced to a variety of songs and instruments. Students attend physical education classes twice a week where they participate in a variety of activities, including rollerblading. Students visit the Rockwern library once a week where they are introduced to different topics and genres. They also have the opportunity to check out books and take them home to read. Technology is used daily and integrated into many subjects. Our students attend STEAM classes in our new state-of-the-art facility, The Curiosity Center. Once a week, our school counselor leads a class session using the Sources of Strength curriculum. This curriculum is designed to increase well-being, help-seeking, resiliency, healthy coping, and belonging.

  • First graders begin to have more Hebrew and Judaics classes, start attending morning tefillah (prayers), and have the opportunity to take electives classes. As first graders begin to strengthen their English reading, they also learn to read Hebrew. Hebrew becomes a living language, and by the end of the year, first graders will be able to read, comprehend, and write simple Hebrew sentences. Students also strengthen their critical thinking skills as they learn the ‘why’ of the major Jewish holidays and how communities around the world may observe differently and similarly. Each trimester, students and their parents select an elective that allows students to further explore their interests and spend time with older students (second and third graders). Some past electives have included Stories, Songs & Art of the Torah, JSTEAM, Junior Choir, and Hebrew Through Music & Dance. Students begin their day with morning prayers four days a week. One of the highlights of the first grade year is the Yom HaSiddur (prayerbook) Ceremony. On Yom HaSiddur, the students become the teachers, inviting their families to join them for their daily morning service as they share the concepts behind the prayers. The culmination of the ceremony is the receiving of their own personalized prayer books decorated with love by their families.