The first nine weeks are an exciting time for first graders. They will begin building a solid foundation during the first unit of Integrated Curriculum, which is entitled "Balance and Stability-Solid Foundations." The first graders will learn and practice rules, laws, citizenship, and safety. They will locate land and water features, use directional terms, and make world maps. During the second unit "Continuity and Change" the focus is cycles and patterns. They will begin creating different patterns through math and science.

In Math, the first series of "Investigations-Building Number Sense" will be introduced to the first graders to help them work on numbers, patterns, and problem solving. They will review what numbers look like and what they are. They will create patterns using numbers and shapes. First graders will also begin using strategies for problem solving using the "Problem Solver" method.

These skills will be practiced throughout the entire year.

The second nine weeks is a continuation of "Continuity and Change." During this unit, first graders study patterns and cycles in our world. They practice time, money, poetry, story and letter writing. Students find out that "Patterns are Everywhere." They begin the next unit called "Systems." During this unit, students learn a system is made up of parts that work together to do a job or make a product. They will also participate in Pioneer Days in order to see what life might have been like for early settlers and pilgrims. First graders will develop their writing skills using the five steps of the writing process.

In Math, first graders will use skip counting and recognize odd and even numbers. They will explore addition and subtraction facts using a variety of strategies. First graders will focus on spatial development with everyday objects and other physical materials, use thermometers to measure temperature, and explore money identification and value.

These skills will be practiced throughout the entire year.

The third nine weeks is the study of "Cause and Effect." First graders will explore the concept of interaction as it applies to push, pull, magnetism and gravity. The students will acquire knowledge of sources of light, the effects of light, and the interaction of light and objects. They will become "Curious Kids," by asking questions and learning where to find information to answer these questions. The students will also begin to investigate the differences in nature and man that make us unique in the unit entitled "Diversity."

The implementation of the second series of "Investigations-Number Games and Story Problems" is the main focus in math. The first graders will play number games and solve story problems by exploring combinations of 10, 20, and other numbers. They will count and combine objects that come in 2's like hands and feet, and 4's, 5's and 10's. The will also practice reading, writing, and sequencing numbers up to 100.

Throughout the unit "Diversity" the first graders will use commonalities to classify and concentrate on defining properties and characteristics. The students will investigate plant and animal life. They will explore the diversity of the Earth, its soil and rocks to learn ways it may be recycled and preserved. The first graders will go on two field trips. They will visit The Holified Learning Center in Plano to continue their study of plant and animal life. They will also visit The Dallas Arboretum during the Dallas Blooms to view the plants and flowers they have been studying. The first graders will participate in an annual "Plant Show" where the plants they have been taking care of and their plant/flower artwork will be displayed. The will also explore the importance of Communications during the unit "Making Connections." The definition of communication is the primary focus and it's importance in our everyday lives. The first graders investigate the challenges of miscommunication and the breakdowns in communication that cause misunderstandings.

During the last nine weeks of math, first graders take all of the skills they have been learning and practicing and apply them in the last series of "Investigations." The series is entitled "Survey Questions and Secret Rules." The students learn how to collect data, record, and apply it in many different ways. The first graders will also be able to recognize equal parts or "fair shares" for use with fractions.