Gregg International School G1 Class
Course Descriptions
Mathematics - Building on strong fundamentals established in K5, G1 class further develops the conceptual and practical math skills of young students. Mastery over the numbers between 1 and 100 and the concept of ordinal numbers is achieved in G1 class. Also, students become familiar with the cumulative and associative laws of addition and subtraction and the concept of fractions. Introductory aspects of word problems, measurement, time, geometry, graphs and money are covered broadly to give students a greater appreciation of the important ways that numbers are used in our daily life. Additionally, hands-on math activities that emphasize problem solving will improve their critical thinking skills while also showing them how fun and useful mathematics can be.
Language Arts - READING - As children gain greater knowledge of language, their enjoyment of reading and writing increases, which in turn improves their knowledge of language. Recognizing this axiom, we find interesting and humorous stories to draw young students more deeply to reading. Practical reading comprehension skills are enhanced as children find main ideas and details within narratives. They also learn to identify the elements of narratives such as characters, setting, plot, and theme. Vocabulary is enlarged through methods utilizing synonym/antonyms, classification, and description. Literary techniques of rhyme, rhythm and dialogue are introduced to show the exciting side of reading. WRITING. Each day students practice writing in a way that fosters a natural progression in the development of their skills, while the teacher gives instructive encouragement. In this way, young students can feel a sense of proud ownership over the creation of their written work, and by receiving positive reinforcement for their writing, students will resolutely pursue improvement of this skill. Children are introduced to the writing process by involving them in prewriting exercises in which the generation and expansion of ideas are emphasized. Prewriting activities include discussion and collaboration, among others. At this stage we feel the content of children's work takes precedence over the form. A portfolio of each student's written work is maintained in order to document each student's educational growth. In addition, student's portfolios will provide excellent source material from which they can learn, develop, and practice revision techniques. * Instruction in PENMANSHIP and SPELLING, corresponding to each student's level of progress in those areas, is included within the subject focus of WRITING in all grades of elementary school. * Since the verbal presentation of information is such an integral part of our daily lives, instruction and practice in ORAL COMMUNICATION is included as part of the Language Arts curriculum in all grades of elementary school.
Science - First graders continue to accumulate experiences in the world of science as they learn of and experiment with fundamental aspects of the physical, life and earth sciences. Concepts for inquiry may include adaptation, movement, transformation, and variations. Examples of related topics that children could investigate are the means of transportation used in various situations and their consequences, or how life cycles differ between and within groups of plants and animals.
Social Studies - Children in grade 1 have begun to notice differences among groups of people, as well as similarities. The customs and experiences of our students reflect the diversity of their different backgrounds. Activities, such as dramatization or discussion, which encourage the sharing of information about their nationalities will help the students to learn about various cultures while giving them valuable lessons about tolerance for differences and an appreciation for similarities among people.
Art/Drama/Music - The power of visual and musical expressions easily attracts the attention of young learners and can inspire their inquiries into the nature of creative processes, aesthetic perception, and critical thinking. Hands-on activities include drawing, painting, and looking at art, and composing, singing, and listening to music. Each year elementary school students produce a great variety of visual artifacts, stage performances, and sing in a school concert. Our many activities involving art, drama, and music encourage students to explore alternative forms of expression through drawing, painting, performing, and singing. This not only helps to cultivate their creative talents, but also gives them the intrinsic satisfaction of being part of an aesthetically rich experience.
Physical Education - Children require daily exercise because it promotes healthy physical, social, and cognitive development. The skills that a child acquires and uses on the playground are no less important than those learned in the classroom. Practical experiences gained by each student in physical education will involve learning teamwork, discipline, respect for rules, and of course, athletics and games.
Computer Lab - Students have ample computer time each week to develop their cybernetic skills. In addition to keyboard practice and Internet searches, students use the latest software that complements and enhances other curricular areas such as language arts, social studies, and science. Computer lab gives students valuable experience in developing technical expertise as well as broadening their knowledge base through a trans-disciplinary approach to learning.
