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<p class="fontlook">LANGUAGE ARTS
<p class="fontlook">Reading and writing are a constant focus throughout the day at Carrollton.  Reading and writing workshops drive the language arts program in First Grade.  When the girls arrive in First Grade, they are exposed to a variety of literature from many different genres.  Students study spelling patterns, and sight words to help them become fluent readers.  They quickly begin to apply comprehension and phonetic skills while reading and writing.  Reading and writing are weaved through all disciplines and as their skills continue to develop, they become active learners and start reading for pleasure and information.  
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<p class="fontlook">MATHEMATICS
<p class="fontlook">First Graders learn that math is all around them.  The mathematics program at Carrollton encourages the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills every day.  Students explore number patterns and their relationships while learning about money, measurement, time, geometry, fractions, and graphing.  They are engaged in hands-on activities that give concrete meaning to addition and subtraction.  
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<p class="fontlook">RELIGION
<p class="fontlook">Spiritual development is a constant theme at Carrollton.  Children learn that God loves us as our Father, and that Jesus came to tell us about God.  We read about the life, death and resurrection of Christ while also learning about the role of the Holy Spirit in our community.  Students work to develop a personal relationship with God through prayer and worship.  
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<p class="fontlook">SCIENCE
<p class="fontlook">Science is a time for inquiry.  Children learn to ask questions and investigate science topics including living organisms, weather, and local habitats.   Children become scientists as we build terrariums, grow plants, and observe colonies of living creatures.  Through experiments and observation, children learn about science as it relates to their lives.  
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<p class="fontlook">SOCIAL STUDIES
<p class="fontlook">First Graders learn what it means to be part of a community.  We begin by looking at the exciting communities in our own backyard.   By studying the complexities of the communities that thrive in the Everglades, the girls learn how interdependence is what defines a community.  As the year progresses the girls study communities from the past, and the historical figures that were a part of them.  They learn about Native Americans, early Presidents, and the struggle for equality.   By the end of the year we learn that we are part of a global community.  The girls work with Atlases and globes to study geography as it relates to the Earth as a whole.   
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<p class="fontlook">ART
<p class="fontlook">The main objective in the First Grade classroom is to make the students comfortable with experimentation and self-expression within the specific guidelines set out in each project. The art room is a relaxed place to be. It is a room where wrong answers do not exist and a place where self-expression is of the utmost importance. With the wise freedom found in the art room and a pinch of some tender loving care, the potential for growth becomes the ultimate goal.
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<p class="fontlook">COMPUTER
<p class="fontlook">First Grade Students are introduced to the computer as a learning tool. In the setting of the computer lab the students develop skills that they then integrate into their experiences in the classrooms.  Students learn to create graphics, design multimedia projects, and begin word processing. A variety of software is available for projects. The students are also introduced to the concept of Internet Safety as well as the many uses for the Internet. By the end of the First Grade students recognize the computer as a strong learning tool. 
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<p class="fontlook">MUSIC
<p class="fontlook">In First Grade, music classes emphasize basic recognition of music notation and rhythms.  The students learn by singing, playing instruments, moving, listening and creating music.  First Graders study a variety of composers and works of music throughout the year including:  Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saëns, Peter and the Wolf by Prokofiev, Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky, and the opera Cinderella by Rossini.  We also participate in special programs throughout the year including an Advent Prayer Service, an interdisciplinary unit with physical education on square dancing, and a program sponsored by MENC (The National Association for Music Education) called “The World’s Largest Concert”. 
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<p class="fontlook">VIOLIN
<p class="fontlook">In First Grade violin class, students will learn basic technique and theory needed to master beginning level repertoire.  Students will learn correct posture, good sound production, how to read music, dynamics, and various rhythms, and how to play songs together in groups.  Students will present what they have learned in concert at the advent prayer service. 
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<p class="fontlook">SPANISH as a Second Language
<p class="fontlook">In this group the students are introduced to basic Spanish vocabulary and oral expression. Students are exposed to the Hispanic culture through songs and short stories.
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<p class="fontlook">SPANISH for Spanish Speakers
<p class="fontlook">In this, their first year of Spanish, First Graders are introduced to new vocabulary structures that will allow them to enhance and develop their oral proficiency. Students are introduced to reading and writing skills.
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<p class="fontlook">CHINESE
<p class="fontlook">The First Grade students will learn basic Chinese vocabulary and simple structures with primary focus on listening and speaking skills.  Students will build a strong foundation in the fundamentals of speaking Chinese. Also, students will be introduced to different aspects of Chinese culture.
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<p class="fontlook">LIBRARY
<p class="fontlook">The library program provides pleasurable experiences with good literature to promote enthusiasm for reading. Regular reading aloud stretches the child's language and literary skills and expands her vocabulary and comprehension.  Students learn about the organization of the library and how to find answers to their questions in library materials. A study of fairy tales from around the world culminates in the creation of a class-made fairy tale picture book for the library.
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<p class="fontlook">STUDENT DEVELOPMENT
<p class="fontlook">The First Grade students begin to learn the importance of values such as honesty, responsibility, kindness, respect, cooperation, and fairness.  The continuing development of self-esteem and the reinforcement of healthy behavior are stressed through the I Care Rules.  This curriculum emphasizes the peacemaking and conflict resolution skills necessary to support the development of behavior consistent with these values.
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<p class="fontlook">PHYSICAL EDUCATION
<p class="fontlook">P.E. in the First Grade includes instruction and activities in the area of swimming, physical fitness activities, locomotors, fine and gross motor skill development. Skill development and lead-up games are introduced in the areas of basketball, soccer, t-ball and gymnastics.
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