Curriculum Overview (click to view)

 

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In Writing your child will…

This year your child will continue to grow their writing skills through explicit standards-aligned instruction that focuses on why writers write and how writers effectively communicate ideas and information. Students will experience a predictable classroom routine where they take ownership of their writing, share work with peers, and learn to plan, revise, and edit their writing. Students will engage in the writing process as a means to contemplate and develop their ideas, apply powerful revision and editing techniques, and effectively compose their ideas into clear, well thought pieces that demonstrate an awareness of purpose, style, and audience. 

 

Learn more about the writing units for this grade level.

How Writer's Work

Text Type: Launching

This unit was created to introduce your students to writing workshop, to the writing process, and to getting to know why writers write in the ways they do. The mentor texts in this unit of study will help students think about what authors and illustrators are thinking and feeling when they write and draw. They will also encourage young students to notice how authors incorporate personal experiences, emotions, and details to enhance readers’ experiences. In order for a writing workshop to run smoothly, students will need to know what is expected of them. Procedural conversations such as how writing workshop will function, what writing tools are and how they will be used, where these tools will be stored, and how students will discuss and share their ideas are also presented in this unit.

 

Personal Narrative

Text Type: Narrative

Personal narratives tell the big and small stories of our lives. Personal narratives are typically the easiest, most natural form of writing for children because the stories are already complete inside their minds, which enables the words to flow more easily onto the paper. It is this easy flow of words that supports students’ efforts to produce a complete piece of writing. This provides teachers more opportunities to help students refine their writing because they better understand the heart of their pieces. As teachers surround their students with this natural, life-enriching genre, wonderful opportunities will be presented for students to make connections with themselves and others. Constructing meaningful personal narratives helps students discover important things about who they are and what they hope to be like in the future. This type of writing also helps students make sense of their life experiences and discover that others may share similar experiences, even when they may have little else in common.

 

Nonfiction: All-About Books

Text Type: Informational/ Explanatory

Children are naturally curious about the world. They often question and wonder about things they see, hear, and experience. They love to learn new information and share it with their friends, family, teachers, and anyone else who is willing to listen! How often do we find ourselves listening to students tell us fact after fact after fact about their new pets, the incredible place they visited over the weekend, or their favorite toy? The information they know and the facts they learn are what have inspired the Nonfiction: All-About Books unit. The questions “Did you know that . . . ?” or “Do you want to know something really cool?” are common phrases that echo in classrooms all day long. Writing all-about texts allows students to take the information they know, gather some new “research,” and teach someone all about a topic of interest.

 

Fiction with Book Review

Text Type: Opinion/Argument

Schoolwide’s Fiction unit (w/ Book Review included) emphasizes the imaginative nature of fiction while encouraging students to see how fiction writers often draw their inspiration and material from real life. The fiction books in this unit are especially well suited for first grade readers because they offer imaginative plots and creative casts of characters that touch on real themes to which your students will readily relate. The problems our heroes encounter and solve and the life lessons they learn are all age-appropriate experiences that mirror feelings and events first grade students are undergoing in their own lives. When young readers feel a connection between themselves and the stories they read, they are much more eager and motivated to create their own stories for others to read. In addition, because so many of the books seem to come from the minds of young protagonists, the story elements are easy for students to recognize and emulate. Teachers will be delighted to see how enthusiastically students respond to seeing their own emotions and experiences reflected in the characters, narrators, plots, and themes of these wonderful books and how confidently they respond as writers to producing texts that mirror the writing strategies and genre features covered in the unit. This unit of study will allow students to not only enjoy many popular pieces of fiction but also form opinions about the books they have read. In their book reviews, students will describe the book they have read, offer an opinion about that book, supply a reason to support their opinion, and provide some sense of closure.

 

How can I support my child at home?

To build confidence in writing at home, parents play a crucial role in supporting and celebrating their child's journey as an author and illustrator. Reading together is a fundamental practice, intertwined with developing writing skills. Spend quality time exploring books, discussing characters, plotlines, and various writing styles. Acknowledge and celebrate your child's writing accomplishments, both big and small, providing positive reinforcement to boost their confidence and motivation.

In the process of supporting your child's writing at home, resist the urge to correct the writing. Instead, encourage them to share their message using some of the questions below. Over the course of the year, students will be focusing on revision and editing for grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Building their grade level knowledge of grammar, sound patterns, and conventions will be taught in tandem with applying it in their writing. You will notice progress over the year in the clarity of their pieces. 

If they ask for help spelling a word, guide them to isolate the sounds and explore the spelling together. For instance, ask, "What sound are you trying to spell?" and then provide guidance based on the identified sound. Remember, it's okay if they start by representing a word with only the beginning sound —skills will naturally develop over time. By creating a supportive and encouraging writing environment at home, parents contribute significantly to their child's growth as a confident and capable writer.

Praise your child for their writing achievements, reinforcing the idea that writing is a valuable and enjoyable skill. Respect and celebrate their unique writing voice by avoiding excessive corrections and instead appreciating the knowledge and ideas they express.

 

Questions to Ask about Their Writing Pieces

• What Inspired You to Write This?
  • Encourage your child to share the inspiration behind their writing. Understanding their motivations can provide insights into their interests and thought processes.
• Can You Tell Me More About [Specific Part of Their Writing]?
  • Ask specific questions about elements in their writing, such as characters, plot points, or details. This helps them elaborate on specific aspects of their work.
• How Did You Decide on the Title?
  • Discussing the title can lead to a conversation about the main idea or theme of their writing. It also encourages them to think creatively about capturing the essence of their piece.
• What Challenges Did You Face While Writing?
  • Addressing challenges fosters resilience. Discussing obstacles they encountered and how they overcame them provides valuable insights into their problem-solving skills.
• Did You Use Any Writing Strategies or Techniques?
  • Explore their writing process. Discussing strategies they used, such as brainstorming, outlining, or revising, highlights the importance of the writing process itself.
• Who is Your Audience?
  • Understanding the intended audience helps your child think about tailoring their writing to different readers. This can also lead to discussions about how writing styles may vary for different audiences.
• What Part of the Writing Did You Enjoy the Most?
  • Focus on the positive aspects. Identifying the enjoyable parts reinforces a sense of accomplishment and helps them recognize their strengths.
• Is There Anything You Would Like to Add or Change?
  • Encourage reflection by asking if there's anything they would like to add or modify. This empowers them to take ownership of their writing and make improvements.

 

Compliments to Give

• I Love How You Express Your Ideas:
  • Compliment their ability to articulate thoughts and ideas. This reinforces the value of self-expression through writing.
• Your Descriptions Paint a Vivid Picture:
  • Acknowledge strong descriptive elements in their writing. Highlighting their ability to create imagery adds a positive dimension to their work.
• You Have a Unique Writing Style:
  • Celebrate their individuality by recognizing their unique writing style. This fosters confidence in their own voice.
• I'm Impressed by Your Creativity:
  • Praise their imaginative thinking. Recognizing creativity encourages them to continue exploring and pushing boundaries in their writing.
• Your Organization Makes the Writing Easy to Follow:
  • Acknowledge their organizational skills. Highlighting clear structure and organization reinforces the importance of clarity in writing.
• Your Writing Shows Growth and Improvement:
  • Recognize progress over time. Complimenting improvement emphasizes the value of continuous learning and effort.
• I Appreciate the Effort You Put Into Editing:
  • If they've made efforts to edit and revise, commend their commitment to refining their work. This reinforces the importance of the editing process.
• Your Writing Reflects a Strong Understanding of [Topic]:
  • Acknowledge their understanding of the subject matter. This reinforces the connection between knowledge and effective communication through writing.

 

Additional Ways to Support Writing at Home

• Reading is closely linked to writing skills. Spend time reading with your child, discussing the content, characters, and plot. This exposure to different writing styles will enhance their own writing abilities.
• Acknowledge and celebrate your child's writing achievements, whether big or small. Positive reinforcement can boost their confidence and motivation to continue improving.
• Celebrate inventive spelling! When your child attempts to sound out words, celebrate where they are in their knowledge of sounds rather than immediately correcting. This helps them build confidence and a love for expressing themselves through writing.
• Embrace and celebrate the power of lists! Encourage your child to make grocery lists, to-do lists, or lists of their favorite things. These real-life writing opportunities enhance practical writing skills.
• Start a family journal where everyone contributes short notes, thoughts, or drawings. This shared journal is a wonderful way to celebrate the uniqueness of each family member's writing style.
• Foster creativity by allowing your child to write stories, create poems, or even compose songs based on their experiences. Celebrate their imagination and unique way of expressing ideas.
• Praise your child for their writing accomplishments, whether it's a well-constructed list, a story, or a note. Celebrating their efforts reinforces the idea that writing is a valuable and enjoyable skill.
• Respect and celebrate your child's unique writing voice. Avoid overly correcting their writing and instead, focus on appreciating the knowledge and ideas they are expressing.

 

Additional Information about our core resource:

Introduction to Writing Fundamentals and the Writing Process (Video 2:30)

 

In math, your child will:

• Solve addition and subtraction story problems
• Count by ones and tens to 120 read and write numbers to 120, and represent a number of objects up to 120 with a written numeral
• Understand place value by describing what the digits mean in two-digit numbers; use this knowledge to add and subtract
• Add two-digit numbers using at least two different strategies and explain how the strategies work
• Subtract two-digit numbers that are multiples of 10 using at least two different strategies and explain how the strategies work
• Compare two numbers using the symbols >, =, and <
• Add and subtract numbers within 10 efficiently and accurately
• Read or construct a graph and answer questions about the data
• Measure length using non-standard units such as Popsicle sticks, linking cubes, and so on
• Tell and write time to the hour and half-hour on analog and digital clock

How can I support my child at home?

• Check out a parent guide for each unit of instruction: First Grade Family Support Page

 

• Math at Home is an additional resource by The Math Learning Center that includes thought-provoking, Bridges-aligned math activities and games that can be used at home or at school throughout the year for students from kindergarten through fifth grade.  

 

Is there an online platform or app available?

• Yes! Dreambox is a personalized math program that builds students' confidence and competence.  Learn more about how to support the program at home.

 

Additional Information about our core resource:

• Bridges in Mathematics Overview English / Spanish

 

• Video: Introduction to Bridges in Mathematics
• Video: Grade K-2 Bridges in Mathematics: Mathematical Models & Strategies
• Video: Grade 3-5 Bridges in Mathematics: Mathematical Models & Strategies

 

District 58 incorporates an inquiry-based approach. Students engage in inquiry through rich discussion, questioning, research using various resources, and summarizing their understanding with a project for an audience. DG58 started inquiry with social studies and embeds it throughout other content areas. Ultimately, District 58 staff light the way for students to engage in a path of exploration and discovery.

 

The gradual release process of inquiry.

 

In Social Studies your child will…

• Explore disciplinary concepts throughout the year within the Living, Learning, and Working Together theme.
• Engage individually and collaboratively in inquiry within four disciplinary concepts; civics, economics, history, and geography.
• Throughout each chapter, explore essential and supporting questions through the SAVVAS Quest Connections 
• Gather and evaluate sources
• Develop claims and use evidence
• Communicate conclusions
• Take informed action to demonstrate understanding

 

Additional Information about our core resource:

Savvas immerses students in history through a perspective-rich environment that grows as the student moves through elementary school. Learn more about the Savvas social studies program by clicking this link.

 

What is inquiry?

Simply put, inquiry-based learning is founded on a "big question". In our K-5 social studies resource, the big question is researched through what we call, Quest. Each lesson begins with a big question. Then, reading and activities guide students through investigation to answer the big question. In the end, students complete a quest project to demonstrate learning and understanding.  

The inquiry process, according to C3, includes 4 stages:  

• Developing Questions and planning inquiries
• Applying the disciplines (civics, economics, geography, history)
• Evaluating resources
• Communicating conclusions and taking informed action

To learn more, watch this quick and helpful video.

 

How can I support my child at home?

As parents, it can be hard to see our children struggle. However, by not giving the answer, through "failure" (F-first, A-attempt, I-in, L-learning), children learn and build self-efficacy. 

 

Below are helpful ideas to easily incorporate inquiry into your home.

• Learn along with children through books, TV programs, and learning hobbies, such rock collecting.
• Visit museums, zoos, aquariums, and historical sites with children. The Downers Grove Public Library has museum passes available. Downers Grove also has a rich history. To learn more, visit the Downers Grove Historical Museum.
• Explore quality television programs like PBS, the Discovery Channel, and the History Channel.
• Subscribe children to magazines.

 

1. Bring Inquiry into Your Home

Meet a question with a question. Our first instinct when a child asks a question is to provide an answer. This can prevent a golden opportunity to learn about how to learn. So, next time your child asks you a question (“How do you spell ….?” “What are the types of energy?”), instead of supplying the answer, try responding like this:

Great question! How could you find that out? What resource could you use to discover that? 

 

Be prepared to inquire together. Sometimes, when you meet a question with a question, you get an “I don’t know”. That is an invitation to a great teachable moment! If your child doesn’t know how to find out on their own or what resource to use, you can respond with:

Let’s figure it out together. Maybe we can try this….Let’s see if this resource has the answer…

 

Ask the magic question – “What do you notice?”. No matter what subject – the secret ingredient to inquiry is asking learners to think about what they notice. That one question works every time, and can be followed up with “what else do you notice?”.

You don’t have to be an expert, just be a learner. It is okay to not know. That presents an opportunity to model your own approaches to learning. Confidently to say, “I don’t know”.  Follow it up with, “But now I want to know, so here is how I am going to find out!” or, “Let’s figure this out together!”

 

2. Encourage Reflection

Get them thinking about their thinking. There are two magic questions you can ask your child to help them think deeper – any subject:

 

How do you know?

What makes you say that?

 

3. Support your child’s agency 

Invite their voice. Give space for children to articulate what they like and don’t like about learning. Listen to what they care about and what matters to them and try to understand and find ways to support it.

Respect and support their choices. Be aware of choices you make for your child that they could make themselves. Choices may include when, where, and how they learn. Teach  the decision-making process (What choice are you making for yourself?). Then follow up with a reflection (How did that choice work out for you? How do you know? What will you choose differently next time?).

Emphasize ownership. Sometimes learning can get misrepresented as something done to learners. These phrases build that sense of ownership over their learning:

 

It’s your learning.

You’re in the driver’s seat.

Your learning, your choice. 

*Credit: makinggoodhumans.wordpress.com

In Science your child will study...

• Plants and Animal Parts: Students are introduced to the unit’s anchoring phenomenon of animals taking care of their young. In this unit, students  examine and compare the similarities and differences between animals and plants. Students discover different animal  families on a fictional safari. Students investigate how plants and animals are like others of the same kind, how plants and animals sense things, and how plants and animals meet their needs. By the time they do their Performance Assessments, students will be able to explain how offspring are like, but not exactly like, their parents. Students will also understand how plants and animals stay safe and read about how parents take care of their offspring. Then students lead a safari in their own neighborhood. Using what they know, how can students design a device to carry and protect their items while on a safari? 

 

•  Light and Sound: Students are introduced to the unit’s anchoring phenomenon of how you can’t see in the dark, but you can hear in the dark. In this unit, students explore light and sound by discovering how light helps us see, how light travels, how sound is made, and how sound travels. Students then combine both light and sound to find out about the ways people use light and sound to send messages. Using what they know, can students show how to communicate long distances by sending messages with sound?

 

• Sky Patterns: Students are introduced to the unit’s anchoring phenomenon of how the moon can be seen in the sky at different times. Acting as space detectives, students make careful observations from media and find patterns in the natural world to solve the mystery of the daytime moon as well as explain other phenomena in the sky such as the sun and stars. In this unit, students conclude the sky is light during the day and dark during the night. Students analyze patterns in images and  discover that different objects, such as the sun, moon, and stars, are always, sometimes, or never seen in the day and night skies. Using what they know, can students explain the movement of the moon and why it is always, sometimes, or never seen in the day and night skies? 

 

District 58 utilizes the Second Step program to support students’ social emotional learning through a holistic approach to building our school communities. Children benefit from social-emotional learning (SEL) at any time, but today it’s especially important to help them develop the skills they need to connect and thrive. Second Step® Elementary is a leading research-based SEL curriculum

 

In Second Step your child will… 

•  Practice skills for learning
•  Practice skill for empathy and our feelings
•  Learn and practice strategies for emotional management
•  Learn and pracice problem-solving strategies with friends

 

How can I support my child at home?

If you are interested in learning more about the Second Step curriculum and approach, please visit their website at SecondStep.org.

Art

In Art your child will…

• Learn about famous artists and our own inner-artist
• Learn about symmetry in art
• Learn about digital art
• Learn about art surrealism

How can I support my child at home?

To inspire your child, visit museums, art shows, and the Downers Grove Public LIbrary where there is exposure to a variety of artwork. The library offers museums free passes that you can check out. Build inspiration for art, by learning about local and historical artists. As you drive around town, see if you can identify various forms of art, whether sculptural or other modes. Finally, have a variety of art materials available at home, such as clay, playdough, paint, colored pencils, fun paper, and more. Many stores have small and large art kits available to encourage children tap into their creativity.

Is there an online platform or app available?

Seesaw is a resource our art teachers rely on the most. Through Seesaw, we connect with parents and share a window into your child’s creative side. At the beginning of each year, your child’s teacher will send you an invitation to their Seesaw class, which will automatically connect you to their art class. Once there, families can see updates, helpful videos, assignments and more.

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Music

In music your child will...

• Learn about various musical elements, including but not limited to High & Low, Fast & Slow, Loud & Soft, Beat vs. No Beat.

• Be introduced to rhythmic notation

• Experience musical concepts through movement and song

How can I support my child at home?

• Attend various styles of musical performances, play music at home, encourage your child to demonstrate what they are learning about in music, or encourage a variety of musical experiences.

Is there an online platform or app available?

• Your child has an account in our music app Quaver that they can access through Clever on their iPad. They can review past activities, explore new games, quizzes, or listen to their favorite songs from class.

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Physical Education (PE)

In physical education my child  will engage in the following activities throughout the school year:

•  Introduction to rules, expectations, and routines
• Learn and practice locomotor movements, such as walking, running, hopping, and jumping
• Engage in chasing games 
•  Develop throwing and catching abilities through various exercises
•  Participate in team building activities to promote cooperation and social skills

How can I support my child at home?

• Encourage active play: Encourage your child to be physically active every day. Activities such as running, jumping, climbing and playing outdoor games are great for students this age. 
• Make physical activity a family event. Engage in physical activities as a family. Plan trips to the park, nature trails, or the park distinct where everyone can participate in activities like hiking, booking, swimming, or playing sports together. 
• Limit screen time: Set limits on screen time. Excessive screen time can negatively affect a child’s physical activity levels. Encourage your child to engage in more hands-on activities instead. 
• Create a supportive environment: Create an environment that supports physical activity in your child’s daily routine. Provide your child with access to sport equipment, bikes, and other active equipment.  

 

Is there an online platform or app available?

Shape America. Their website offers resources and ideas for parents to support physical education at home and in the community. Website: https://www.shapeamerica.org/MemberPortal/events/parents.aspx

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Library

In Library your child will…

Build an appreciation of literature through a variety of genres that represent neurodiversity and cultures. In Library, students explore the Illinois State Award books, engage in research, and learn how to navigate the library to access books and information online. The library curriculum follows the Association of Illinois School Library Educators standards to engage students in an exploration of genres and modes of media.

 

How can I support my child at home?

Reading and discussing books with children of any age has the most impact on a child’s motivation and ability to read. You can even read the same book that your child is reading. Visit the Downers Grove Public Library to expose your child to a variety of genres and reading materials and even establish a relationship with the local librarian. The library also has free museum passes. The night before your child’s school checkout, brainstorm books or topics they might explore.

 

Is there an online platform or app available? 

Common Sense Media offers helpful resources, articles, videos and digital citizenship parent tips: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles

Visit Destiny to explore books available at your child’s school.