First Grade

The first grade uses Scott Foresman Reading as their reading program. The program provides a balance of phonics/decoding emphasis along with other cueing strategies reflected in the Virginia Standards of Learning. The program offers a balance of skill development and reading experiences.  Daily writing practice is emphasized. Formal spelling instruction is a part of the program beginning with Level 2 in first grade. Both whole and small flexible groups are used for instruction.  A daily word study is also included each day.

The first graders at Tallwood Elementary School enjoy visiting the Francis Land House in December when studying about the past and present.  Our students also enjoy taking a field trip to see the Hurrah Players perform each spring.

In addition, our first graders also perform experiments and observe, compare, classify, communicate, infer, predict, investigate, and draw conclusions like scientists.

The development of problem-solving skills is a major goal of our math program.  Our students learn to count, add and subtract, measure, identify shapes, tell time and count money.