First-Grade Curriculum

Curriculum Statement

The York Suburban School District is dedicated to a well-rounded education for all students. The District implements a challenging curriculum that is aligned to the Pennsylvania Core Standards and fulfills the District's mission. Each discipline is carefully studied by teams of experienced teachers and administrators to maintain academic rigor, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Additionally, the York Suburban School District is dedicated to providing our 21st Century graduates with the knowledge, abilities, and habits to enter and complete postsecondary education or training programs that will move into successful careers. To achieve this outcome, students must acquire robust employability skills: the ability to communicate, solve problems, think critically, persevere, set goals, and work in teams. These skills are essential to equipping students to pursue their career opportunities with confidence and contribute positively to their communities. Each grade level is committed to building the aforementioned capacities in all students; as such, these skills are skillfully woven into the curriculum.

First-Grade Curriculum Overview

Language Arts

The first-grade Language Arts curriculum follows the Pennsylvania Core Standards of teaching children to read, write, speak, and listen. These skills are incorporated into the evidence-based reading framework, including shared reading, guided reading, self-selected reading, writing, and word work.

Throughout the school year, first-grade students will:

  • Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of print
  • Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds (phonemes)
  • Learn to read independently by using before, during, and after reading strategies
  • Increase ability to figure out new words through analysis of word parts and patterns
  • Develop the ability to read text smoothly, accurately, and with an appropriate rate
  • Read and apply new vocabulary
  • Develop comprehension through the application of focus skills and strategies
  • Read and understand content in all academic areas
  • Read all types of literature with understanding for a variety of purposes
  • Write in a variety of forms such as narrative, informational, and persuasive
  • Learn to choose a writing topic and effectively use the writing process to complete an individual writing piece
  • Focus on a topic, respond to questions and suggestions from peers, and add details to strengthen writing as needed (with guidance and support from adults and peers)
  • Participate in individual or shared research and writing projects
  • Learn to listen and respond to others in small and larger groups
Math
Science
Social Studies