The first grade homeroom classes are arranged heterogeneously with homogenous groupings for reading. The reading program combines award-winning classics and contemporary literature with explicit teaching of sounds and sound blending—“phonics.” The students will be exposed to a wide variety of materials including songs, poems, fantasy, fables, folktales, realistic fiction and informational articles. The program offers support and challenge for all students. Writing as a process is introduced which encourages brainstorming ideas, organizing them, and editing. Handwriting is taught with a developmentally appropriate, systematic and sequential approach.

The core of our math program is mathematical problem solving, not as a separate activity but as central to every skill and concept discussion. It involves the acquisition and application of mathematics concepts and skills in a wide range of situations, including non-routine, open-ended and real world problems. Students are encouraged to consider how they think, how they communicate, and how they solve problems, so they can apply their skills to subsequent problems. The learning process gives students a solid math foundation upon which to build increasingly complex skills. In addition, student attitudes and appreciation for mathematics are viewed as vital for success. The concepts and skills developed in first grade include: basic facts, place value, mental math and geometry.

Secular and Jewish holidays, American and Israeli national symbols are all part of the Social Studies curriculum in first grade. In preparation for our Israel Fair, the students are able to compare and contrast the many symbols and holidays of each country.

In First Grade the students learn to read, write and speak Hebrew. They are taught the letters and their sounds in a most engaging and age appropriate manner. They are exposed to and use basic grammar – feminine/masculine and singular and plural. Students are taught to recite basic prayers and look forward to receiving their first Siddur mid-year, when they are able to track the words as the prayers are recited, and have an appreciation for the holiness of the Siddur. The importance and relevance of prayers is also studied.

The children learn about the basic practices (mitzvot and minhagim) of the holidays and develop a love of the holidays and Jewish practice. An awareness of the content of the weekly Torah portion is developed and they are encouraged to share that knowledge at home through Parsha Pages questions.

In a science lab filled with experiments and animals, the Lower School Science curriculum exposes students to the wonders and joys of science as it is found all around them. Materials are presented in a “hands-on” interactive format. Students are encouraged to become involved in activities and to ask questions. The scientific process is stressed as a way to solve practical problems, explore observations and curiosities.

First Grade students study the human body, including health and nutrition. They also investigate the earth, spiders, plants, animals and habitats, magnets and forces.

The goal of the Computer Technology program in the Lower School is to provide students with skills to design, create, communicate, and solve problems by using computer technology.  Coding skills are used to reinforce concepts in computational thinking, logical reasoning and sequencing skills, as well as language arts, math, and other curricular areas. Utilizing the computer lab and a class set of iPads, students gain confidence using desktop computers and tablets. They use a variety of applications to create a wide array of projects and build skills that enhance and strengthen the General and Judaic Studies curricula. Digital citizenship, including safeguarding privacy, proper care of hardware and software, cyberbullying, safe and effective searching, and respecting intellectual property are introduced in an age-appropriate manner.

Students develop self-confidence and gain an appreciation for the arts through a program that integrates art history and elements of design with practical, age-appropriate art projects exploring a wide range of techniques and materials.

Lively discussions based on artist exemplars and cultural imagery generate momentum and encourage unbridled creativity towards each project. Themes in this program often integrate with curricular topics in both General and Judaic studies. Students will experience the creative process through drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, ceramics and printmaking.

Throughout the Lower School years, students develop core skills in vocal music utilizing the concepts of rhythm, melody, harmony, form, expression, vocabulary and listening skills. By performing, creating and describing music, each student will learn to appreciate Jewish, and American music. Classes meet with a music specialist once per week and also meet weekly for a Kabbalat Shabbat sing-a-long. In addition, contemporary and traditional Jewish songs are taught, along with liturgy, Shabbat songs, and American songs. 

In early grades, students learn a growing repertoire of Jewish music in both Hebrew and English. The students prepare for such specific performance opportunities as the First Grade Siddur Ceremony, the Second Grade Chumash and Third Grade Midot Presentations. Additional highlights include performances by the Fourth Grade Choir, a Lower School Production, Synagogue performances, Grandparent’s Day Presentation and performances for community events.

The physical education program is an integral part of the development of the “total” child. It provides a wholesome experience that develops children physically, socially, mentally, and emotionally. Through participation in physical education, a student can learn confidence, discipline, honesty, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude. In the lower grades, the emphasis is placed on an active movement education program that includes activities that emphasize cardiovascular fitness. Ball skills and modified sport skills are gradually integrated into the program to prepare the students for more complex activities to be taught in future years. As skills are taught, the knowledge of proper technique is emphasized, thus stimulating intellectual development as well as physical endurance. A key element of each class is a high level of active participation by each student. Overall, the physical education curriculum works to develop children who are physically active, mentally alert, and socially well-adjusted.