First Grade
First grade serves as a bridge between early childhood and the grades. Children are now ready to engage their minds in new, more focused ways while still learning primarily through imagination, movement, rhythm, and artistic experience. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to meet this unique stage of development, nurturing a love of learning while laying a strong academic foundation.
The central theme of first grade is Fairy Tales from Around the World. Through these timeless stories, children encounter the letters of the alphabet, discover the beauty of language, and begin to see learning as something alive and meaningful.
Developing Classroom Habits
First graders continue to strengthen the social and practical skills that support learning, including:
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Listening with attention
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Following multi-step directions
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Speaking with confidence and kindness
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Caring for materials and shared spaces
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Developing independence, responsibility, and perseverance
Main Lesson & Academic Subjects
Mathematics
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Counting forward and backward by 1s to 100
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Skip counting by 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, and 10s
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Introduction to the four mathematical operations
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Exploring place value and the qualities of numbers through stories, movement, and patterns found in nature
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Solving beginning word problems through imaginative number journeys
Language Arts
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Pictorial and phonetic introduction to upper- and lowercase letters
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Letter sounds and early reading readiness
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Printing upper- and lowercase letters
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Introduction to capitalization and basic punctuation
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Storytelling, narration, and oral language development
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Artistic responses to stories through drawing and painting
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Memorization and recitation of poetry, verses, songs, and seasonal celebrations
Form Drawing
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Straight and curved forms
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Symmetry and pattern
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Developing fine motor skills, spatial awareness, concentration, and preparation for writing
Natural Science
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Nature stories and seasonal observations
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Weekly exploration of forests, beaches, and local ecosystems
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Careful observation of plants, animals, weather, and the changing seasons
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Simple scientific demonstrations inspired by the natural world
Geography
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Home, school, and local community
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Building awareness of place through walking, observation, and mapping experiences
History & Cultural Studies
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Fairy tales and multicultural stories from around the world
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Community building and shared classroom traditions
Class Play
Each class prepares and presents a class play or curriculum-based presentation that allows students to bring their learning to life through speech, movement, music, and artistic expression.
Special Subjects
World Language
Introduction to Spanish through songs, stories, movement, games, rhymes, and conversation.
Sculptural Arts
Beeswax modeling that strengthens imagination, dexterity, and fine motor development.
Painting
Wet-on-wet watercolor painting that nurtures creativity, observation, and an appreciation for color.
Music
Daily singing, seasonal songs, rhythm work, pentatonic flute (as appropriate), and introduction to simple instruments.
Handwork
Introduction to knitting through two beginning projects that cultivate patience, concentration, coordination, and perseverance.
Movement & Games
Rhythm circles, bean bag exercises, jump rope, hand-clapping games, cooperative play, and nature-based movement activities that develop balance, coordination, and healthy physical development.
Outdoor Learning
At Spring River, learning extends beyond the classroom every day. Each school day includes a field experience that connects academic learning with the natural world through exploration, observation, movement, and seasonal discovery. Forests, beaches, parks, and local natural spaces become living classrooms where students develop curiosity, resilience, scientific observation, and a deep sense of stewardship. Outdoor experiences are intentionally woven into the curriculum, enriching every subject through direct experience.
Homeschool Partnership
Depending on the needs of each child and the homeschooling plan a family has chosen, additional learning at home may complement the classes selected at Spring River. Your class teacher or the Pedagogical Director is available to help families determine what additional practice or enrichment may be beneficial.
As a homeschool enrichment program, Spring River partners with families by providing engaging instruction, meaningful experiences, and a supportive learning community. Parents remain the primary educators, while Spring River offers guidance, inspiration, and educational support that complements each family's homeschool journey.