GRADES 1-2

Our language work is taught using traditional Montessori materials and is divided into grammar, word study, reading, and writing. Grammar in the 1-2 classroom focuses on the parts of speech. Each part of speech is introduced with an exciting oral introduction and followed by a new “grammar box” that allows for repeated practice. Word study includes alphabetizing, compound words, synonyms, antonyms, contractions, homonyms, prefixes, and suffixes. Reading is taught with phonics lessons, sight word practice, reading comprehension work, and weekly reading groups. We use the Lucy Calkins Writer’s Workshop program to teach writing.

Math is taught using traditional Montessori materials. These materials allow the children to move from a concrete, sensorial experience to an abstract understanding of math concepts. Our math topics include place value, math facts for each operation, multiples and factors, fractions, and static and dynamic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Math lessons are given to small groups, and children progress through the math materials at their own pace. First and second graders are also introduced to many geometry concepts including similarity, congruency, equivalency, polygons, types of triangles, lines, and angles.

Culture lessons this year will include the civics and government of our local, state, and national government, economics, timelines, public discourse, and learning and exploring the history of diverse civilizations and groups. Additionally, our culture lessons will include most holidays and celebration months, including, but not limited to, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month, Indigineous People’s Day, Women’s History Month, Hispanix History Month.

The Science curriculum this year will include lessons on understanding weather and climate, earth systems, space, light and heat, natural resources, the states of matter, magnets and electricity, sound and light, and simple machines. Children will work with scientific concepts through lessons, experiments, observations, and hands-on projects.

Pollyanna is a racial literacy program meant to inform children on fundamental values related to identity, community, and justice. For first graders, Pollyanna lessons will include discussions with the children about contributing to the community, kindness, the importance of inclusivity, helping others, celebrating what makes our families different and our diverse class community. Second grade Pollyanna lessons include an introduction to Geography, how Geography shapes our environment, food and stories of children around the world, celebrating differences of children around the world, understanding different viewpoints, and having pride for our diversity. Pollyanna is taught through group lessons, reading and analyzing stories and texts, and through creative projects.