Master's Specialist I - 1st Grade

The Kid’s Community College Specialist I (First Grade) Program is committed to helping each student meet the academic and intellectual competencies expected at this grade level and to become active, engaged learners in the learning environment. The Specialist I Program builds on skills and knowledge children have learned in the Graduate (kindergarten) and at home. It encourages critical thinking, creativity, and respect for self and others. The manner of instruction is varied by each Professor as they work to meet individual student needs. Expectations are modified or expanded to meet each student’s needs and abilities. Curriculum standards are what all Specialist I (first-grade) students are expected to know and be able to do by the end of a school year.

The curriculum in first grade includes reading, phonics, grammar, spelling, handwriting, creative writing and exposure to many genres of literature. Objectives include developing basic skills to become, fluent independent readers; learning to comprehend, analyze and compare literature; learning skills in oral and written expression; developing good sentence structure; and learning correct letter and number formation. Much of each first grade day is spent strengthening language arts skill through oral expression, writing and reading. Instruction takes the form of small and whole group lessons.

The mathematics program uses Saxon Math, which focuses on counting; reading and writing numbers; exploring place-value, fractions, time, and money; and problem solving. Additional areas covered include addition and subtraction facts, patterns, sequences, and 2- and 3-dimensional shapes. Students use tools such as clocks, balances, rulers, and thermometers to measure time, weight, length and temperature. They collect and display data using tables, charts, and graphs. Children use the integrated software to further enhance their understanding of the core math concepts.