This course is designed as a complete first grade core curriculum class which will follow the Common Core Curriculum standards for first grade language arts and math. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) will be followed for science/STEM. Various state standards are used to guide social studies objectives. 

Objectives will be taught in a multi-sensory and hands-on method using physical manipulatives and resources readily available in homes. Printouts will seldom be needed for class. Learners will be guided with daily instruction and will work to demonstrate understanding of the objectives by 'doing' and expressing their thoughts and ideas. 

The essential questions and learning targets will build upon each other and will be repeated throughout the course. This allows for review and repetition. Opportunities will be provided regularly for students to apply new and previously taught skills. This strategy will ensure students solidify content. The teacher will spiral up or down for each student as the course progresses and student individual needs are identified. As the course progresses breakout rooms will be used to allow for differentiation of skills and for small group collaborative work.

The class will operate as a POD and seasonal themes and activities will be incorporated. Cultural holidays and celebrations of enrolled learners will be celebrated and family involvement will be encouraged as the learner and family are interested. The class will become a community of learners to grow together. 

Each class day will begin with a morning meeting to share, sing and complete an interactive calendar. After morning meeting content will be covered as follows:

Monday-Reading/Phonics/Comprehension Skills
Tuesday-Writing (multi-sensory strategies will be incorporated)
Wednesday-Math (teen numbers, addition, subtraction, place value, geometry)
Thursday-Science/STEM 
Friday-Social Studies, social skills and seasonal/holiday activities

Weekly Learning Objectives

Week One
Ask and answer questions about key details in a literary text.
Create a drawing to provide a narrative to my classmates.
Show a set of objects for numbers 0-10.
Tell the job of a scientist.
Identify my teacher, classmates and rules for our class.

Week Two
Read high frequency words in books with independence.
Write a sentence using a sentence frame.
Show a set of objects for numbers 11-20.
Identify common science tools.
Tell signs of the fall season.

Week Three
Track print when reading. Read words I know and apply strategies for new words. 
Identify nouns. Write a sentence with a capital at the beginning and a period at the end.
Use a ten frame to build numbers 11-20.
Create vibrations with rubber bands or musical instruments.
Participate in a fall craft to develop fine motor skills.

Week Four
Ask questions about literary texts. Identify nouns in print. Proper and common nouns.
Demonstrate understanding of verbs. Write a sentence using a noun and verb.
Use place value blocks to show tens and ones.
Create a matter that can change states. 
Take turns listening and speaking to my classmates.

Week Five
Sequence story events. Read blends in print.
Unscramble sentences to show understanding of sentence structure using nouns and verbs.
Number sense to 20 showing fluency in counting and number recognition.
Use light and mirrors to explore light waves.
Identify my birthday by month and day.

Week Six
Listen to and respond to 'How-To' Books. Identify vowels and practice vowel sounds, long and short.
Begin to create a 'How-To' book. Use proper sentence structure when writing.
Create number sentences using plus and equal for numbers 0-10.
Engage in using manipulatives to create a design using the Engineering and Design Process.
Tell my country and state or province.

Week Seven
Read CVC and CVCe words to apply vowel rules. 
Continue to work on 'How-To" book. Use proper sentence structure when writing. Add illustrations to book.
Show fluency in adding numbers 0-10.
Work with a classmate to solve and engineering challenge.
Ask questions of the teacher and my classmates.

Week Eight
Apply strategies learned this half of the semester to read with independence.
Complete 'How-To" books and share with the class.
Review ten frames and making numbers 0-20. Solve addition equations.
Tell how light and sound helps us every day.
Celebrate a great 8 weeks and prepare for the next half of the semester. 

The class will be structured as teacher facilitated and interactive. Learners will be engaged in games, discussions, teacher made videos and hands-on projects. My teaching style is relaxed and inclusive. I encourage learner participation and questions. The classroom is 'ours' not 'mine'. Learners will have many opportunities to interact with me and their classmates each week.