Homeschool Curriculum Blog Online Learning for PreK-8th

Time4Learning presents a logical and sequential approach to teaching science.

In the first grade science curriculum, students distinguish between living and non-living things, are introduced to earth science, and learn about some of the people who have contributed to the field of science.

The Time4Learning program combines illustration, animation, real pictures, audio, text, video and embedded simulations in multimedia online lessons and activities.  It also combines math and writing skills in cross-curricular activities that are completed both on and offline.

In first grade, science themes and concepts are integrated within the language arts curriculum, giving students the opportunity to enjoy cross-curricular study. Units will use first grade science vocabulary to teach thematic units such as; biomes, weather, planets, constellations, pollution, oceans, marine animals, mammals, and plants. First graders also have the advantage of learning science through the science program itself which focuses on three major units of study: Living and NonLiving Things, Earth Science, and Contributions to Science.

Students will learn how to distinguish between living and nonliving things by exploring habitats, basic needs, features, and life cycles. Students will, through learning science vocabulary, focus on the classification of animals into scientific categories, with a feature on amphibians. First Grade Science vocabulary used in Earth Science will use graphic organizers to show weather patterns and to identify seasons. Thunderstorms and the Water Cycle will be highlighted through 1st grade vocabulary lists, vocabulary worksheets and interactive activities. As a bonus, Jane Goodall is featured as a contributor to science, allowing children to explore her experience working with chimpanzees in Africa. Try one of our science sample lessons.

Using a combination of interactive lessons, offline worksheets, and assessments, Time4Learning First Grade Science curriculum correlates to all state standards and benchmarks.

To find out more about the First Grade science program at Time4Learning, try out one of the demo lessons, ask a question in our parents forum, or even view the entire First Grade Science scope and sequence. Sign up today to let your First Grader experience the fun and learning encompassed in the Time4Learning First Grade Science Program.

Posted under elementary homeschool curriculum, first grade curriculum, grade levels, homeschool curriculum, science

A first grade reading program should be taught using a system of first grade reading lesson plans including interactive activities, learning games, printable worksheets, assessments, and positive reinforcement. Guided reading is a vital part of a first grade reading program.

First grade language arts lessons should cover all English language arts strands. The major language arts strands for a first grade reading program are vocabulary development, reading comprehension, literature, writing strategies, writing applications, English language conventions, listening and speaking. While these language arts strands might surprise you, they are all critical lessons for a first grade reading program.

A first grade reading program helps children learn the basic features of reading skill. First grade children learn to translate letter patterns into spoken language using phonics, syllabication, and word parts. They apply this knowledge to achieve fluent oral and silent reading skill.

At this reading level children identify letters, words, and sentences. They match oral words to printed words and during guided reading, the reading teacher asks children to identify the author and title of each reading selection. Children classify reading level appropriate categories of words (for example, colors, foods, animals).

Phonics are important in a first grade reading program. Reading skill develops as children learn to decode elements of words using phonics. Language arts lesson plans emphasize initial, medial, and final sounds in single-syllable words; create and state series of rhyming words, include consonant blends; add, delete, or change target sounds to change words (for example, change met to get or cat to sat); blend two to four phonemes into recognizable words (for example, /b/ i/ g/ = big; /k/ i/ t/ e/ = kite); and segment single-syllable words into their components (for example, /d/ o/ g/ = dog; /r/ i/ ch/ = rich).

At this reading level children learn to use consonant blends and long-and short-vowel patterns. They develop the reading skill of using vowel digraphs and r- controlled letter-sound associations. Language arts lesson plans help children read common, irregular sight words. The reading program explains compound words and contractions, root words, inflectional forms, and common word families.

A first grade reading program also offers children guided reading experience with children’s literature appropriate to the first grade reading level.  First grade language arts lesson plans help children develop reading skill by describing elements of plot and setting, identifying characters, and discussing each story’s beginning, middle, and end.

Time4Learning teaches a comprehensive first grade reading curriculum using fun, first grade reading activities to build a solid reading foundation. To find out more about the First Grade language arts program at Time4Learning, try out one of the demo lessons, ask a question in our parents forum, or even view the entire First Grade Language Arts scope and sequence. Sign up today to let your First Grader experience the fun and learning encompassed in the Time4Learning First Grade Language Arts Program.

Posted under Homeschool, elementary homeschool curriculum, first grade curriculum, grade levels, homeschool curriculum, language arts, learning to read, reading curriculum