trade and classical literature, combined with a strong phonetic emphasis reinforced through weekly spelling activities. Handwriting skills are learned through the Handwriting Without Tears Approach to letter and numeral formation. Math concepts are taught on both concrete and abstract levels utilizing Math Their Way guidelines, as well as a variety of other materials and manipulatives. In addition, many themes incorporate Science, Social Studies and Geography concepts. Students attend Music, Spanish, Motor Skills and Science Lab resource classes. Classroom instruction includes whole group, leveled small group, cooperative groups and individual instruction.

First Graders develop their creative writing, fine motor and investigative skills through daily centers, independent work, group projects, class plays and productions and research assignments. Creative expression exercises introduce grammar, punctuation and editing. Students have several opportunities to read every day and are encouraged to read at home every evening. Math encompasses basic computation, memorizing facts, place value, standard and non-standard units of measurement, word problems, time, money, fractional parts, as well as practical Math applications. Students are expected to complete assigned tasks, be responsible for their own work, work cooperatively, develop self-discipline, as well as pride in their work and accomplishments. Discovery School allows for each child to achieve at his/her own rate while offering a risk free environment where they can grow into confident learners who are well prepared for their next school experience.

First Grade attends Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

The student/teacher ratio for First Grade is 14:2