What Do Kids Learn in First Grade? A Comprehensive Guide

First grade marks a significant transition in a child’s academic journey. It’s a year filled with exciting new concepts and skills, laying the foundation for future learning. Understanding what kids learn in first grade can help parents and educators support their children effectively. This guide provides a detailed overview of the key areas covered in a typical first-grade curriculum.

Reading and Language Arts

Reading is a cornerstone of first grade. Children build upon their pre-literacy skills and begin to decode words and comprehend simple texts. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Phonics and Decoding

Phonics instruction focuses on the relationship between letters and sounds. First graders learn to:

Recognize and produce the sounds of individual letters and letter combinations (digraphs, blends).
Decode CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words like ‘cat,’ ‘dog,’ and ‘sun.’
Decode words with common vowel digraphs (e.g., ‘ai,’ ‘ea’) and blends (e.g., ‘st,’ ‘bl’).
Use phonics skills to read unfamiliar words.

Reading Fluency and Comprehension

As children improve their decoding skills, they also work on reading fluency – reading accurately, quickly, and with expression. Comprehension is equally important. First graders learn to:

Read aloud with appropriate speed and intonation.
Answer questions about the main idea and details of a story.
Retell stories in their own words.
Make predictions about what might happen next.
Identify characters, setting, and plot.

Vocabulary and Language Development

Expanding vocabulary is crucial for reading comprehension and overall language development. First graders are introduced to new words and learn to:

Use context clues to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words.
Identify synonyms and antonyms.
Understand and use common idioms and expressions.
Participate in discussions and share their ideas clearly.

First grade is a crucial time for children to develop their reading and writing skills. A strong foundation in these areas will set them up for success in later grades. Understanding what kids learn in first grade in terms of reading and language arts helps parents support their children’s learning journey.

Writing

Writing skills develop alongside reading skills. First graders learn to express their thoughts and ideas in writing, focusing on sentence structure, grammar, and spelling.

Sentence Structure and Grammar

First graders learn the basics of sentence structure and grammar, including:

Writing complete sentences with a subject and a predicate.
Using correct capitalization and punctuation (periods, question marks, exclamation points).
Identifying and using nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
Understanding subject-verb agreement.

Spelling and Handwriting

Spelling skills are developed through phonics instruction and exposure to written words. First graders learn to:

Spell common words correctly.
Use phonics to spell unfamiliar words.
Develop legible handwriting (both print and cursive, depending on the school).

Writing Process

First graders are introduced to the writing process, which includes:

Brainstorming and planning their writing.
Drafting their ideas into sentences and paragraphs.
Revising their writing to improve clarity and organization.
Editing their writing for spelling and grammar errors.

They may write stories, poems, informational reports, and personal narratives. The goal is to encourage creativity and self-expression while developing fundamental writing skills. Knowing what kids learn in first grade about writing is vital for parental involvement and support.

Mathematics

First-grade mathematics focuses on building a strong understanding of numbers, operations, and basic geometry. Here’s what children typically learn:

Number Sense and Operations

Number sense is the foundation of mathematical understanding. First graders learn to:

Count to 120.
Read and write numbers to 100.
Understand place value (tens and ones).
Compare numbers using greater than, less than, and equal to symbols.
Add and subtract within 20 using various strategies (e.g., counting on, using number lines, making tens).
Solve simple word problems involving addition and subtraction.

Geometry and Measurement

First graders are introduced to basic geometric shapes and measurement concepts. They learn to:

Identify and describe two-dimensional shapes (e.g., circles, squares, triangles, rectangles).
Identify and describe three-dimensional shapes (e.g., cubes, spheres, cones, cylinders).
Compare and order objects by length, weight, and capacity.
Tell time to the hour and half-hour using analog and digital clocks.
Identify and use coins (pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters).

Data Analysis

First graders begin to collect and analyze data using simple graphs and charts. They learn to:

Collect data through surveys and observations.
Create and interpret bar graphs and pictographs.
Answer questions based on data presented in graphs.

The math curriculum in first grade is designed to be hands-on and engaging, using manipulatives and real-world examples to help children understand mathematical concepts. It’s important to know what kids learn in first grade in math to reinforce these skills at home.

Science

First-grade science introduces children to basic concepts in life science, earth science, and physical science.

Life Science

In life science, first graders learn about:

The characteristics of living things (plants and animals).
The needs of living things (food, water, shelter).
The life cycle of plants and animals.
Different habitats and ecosystems.

Earth Science

Earth science topics include:

Weather patterns and seasons.
The properties of rocks and soil.
The importance of natural resources (water, air, minerals).
The different types of landforms (mountains, valleys, plains).

Physical Science

Physical science concepts covered in first grade include:

The properties of matter (solids, liquids, gases).
The concepts of force and motion.
The different forms of energy (light, heat, sound).

Science lessons often involve hands-on experiments and observations to encourage curiosity and critical thinking. Understanding what kids learn in first grade regarding science can foster a child’s natural inclination to explore the world.

Social Studies

First-grade social studies introduces children to concepts related to community, citizenship, history, and geography.

Community and Citizenship

Children learn about:

The roles of different people in the community (e.g., teachers, doctors, firefighters).
The importance of rules and laws.
The concept of citizenship and civic responsibility.
The importance of respecting others and working together.

History and Geography

History and geography lessons may include:

Learning about historical figures and events.
Understanding the concept of timelines.
Identifying different types of maps and globes.
Learning about different cultures and countries.

Social studies aims to develop children’s understanding of the world around them and their role in it. Knowing what kids learn in first grade in social studies can help parents engage in meaningful conversations about these topics.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Beyond academics, first grade is also a time for significant social and emotional development. SEL programs focus on helping children develop skills such as:

Self-awareness: Understanding their own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses.
Self-management: Managing their emotions and behaviors effectively.
Social awareness: Understanding the perspectives of others and showing empathy.
Relationship skills: Building and maintaining positive relationships.
Responsible decision-making: Making ethical and constructive choices.

These skills are essential for success in school and in life. Many schools integrate SEL into their curriculum to help children develop these important competencies. Understanding what kids learn in first grade in SEL helps create a supportive learning environment.

Conclusion

First grade is a year of tremendous growth and learning. By understanding what kids learn in first grade across various subjects, parents and educators can provide the necessary support and encouragement to help children thrive. From reading and writing to math, science, social studies, and social-emotional learning, first grade lays a crucial foundation for future academic success. Remember to foster a love of learning and create a supportive environment where children feel confident to explore and discover.

[See also: How to Help Your Child Succeed in First Grade]

[See also: The Importance of Reading Aloud to First Graders]

[See also: First Grade Math Activities to Do at Home]