First Grade Foundations: Nurturing Curiosity, Growth, and Community at Friends School Haverford

Building Strong Foundations: A Journey Through First Grade

First grade marks a transformative stage in a child’s educational journey. It’s a year where curiosity is nurtured, friendships blossom, and foundational skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and social learning take root. At Friends School Haverford, first graders thrive in a supportive environment that balances individual growth with community building.

Social and Emotional Learning

Developing both academic and social competencies is essential for student success. At the core of our curriculum are the research-based principles of Responsive Classroom and The Zones of Regulation, fostering an environment where children feel safe, valued, and motivated to learn.

Each school day begins with a Morning Meeting, setting a positive tone as students greet one another and share their aspirations. This daily ritual encourages connection, strengthens communication skills, and helps build a classroom community grounded in respect and empathy. Students collaborate to create classroom rules, fostering a shared responsibility for maintaining a warm and inclusive environment.

Language Arts: A Foundation for Lifelong Learning

Language Arts is central to the first-grade experience, providing students with the tools to express themselves and connect meaningfully with the world. Through listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities, children embark on a journey to become confident communicators and avid readers.

Our literacy program integrates the Fundations multisensory language approach, guiding students as they develop phonemic awareness, learn spelling patterns, and expand their vocabulary. Guided Reading sessions, tailored to individual learning needs, promote metacognitive skills as students explore texts and make personal connections to stories. Teachers pose thought-provoking questions such as, “What does your brain do when you read?” and “How can we connect with the text?” to deepen comprehension and critical thinking.

Writing is seamlessly woven throughout the curriculum, encouraging students to craft pieces across genres—from memoirs and poetry to nonfiction explorations. Students learn from mentor authors, drawing inspiration to refine their writing. With teacher support, they plan, revise, and edit their work, discovering their unique voices as writers while building organizational and grammatical skills.

Mathematics: Building Blocks for Problem-Solving

Our mathematics program lays the groundwork for all future mathematical thinking. Through the Math in Focus curriculum, students explore numbers, shapes, patterns, measurement, time, money, and place value. Hands-on learning experiences empower students to test their understanding and develop problem-solving strategies.

Daily math lessons combine teacher-directed instruction with collaborative group work, encouraging students to experiment and learn through discovery. This balanced approach ensures that every student’s learning needs are met, fostering flexibility, accuracy, and efficiency in mathematical thinking.

Social Studies: Exploring Community and Culture

Social Studies introduces students to a broader understanding of the world. Early in the year, the focus is on cultivating a thoughtful classroom community where children learn to think independently, collaborate respectfully, and act with empathy.

As students explore different cultures, traditions, and perspectives, they begin to ask important questions about equity, advocacy, and global citizenship. This exploration nurtures critical thinking skills and helps children see themselves as positive agents of change in their world.

Science: Inspiring Curiosity Through Inquiry

Science lessons are inquiry-driven, blending independent research with cooperative group projects. Students engage in hands-on investigations, linking classroom learning to real-world experiences. The curriculum not only builds scientific knowledge but also fosters an appreciation for science-based careers and its relevance in everyday life.

A Holistic Approach to First Grade Learning

At Friends School Haverford, first grade is a time of discovery, growth, and connection. By integrating academic instruction with social and emotional learning, we cultivate confident learners who are not only prepared for future academic challenges but also equipped to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Every day is an adventure as students explore new ideas, develop essential skills, and build relationships that will support their journey as lifelong learners and compassionate individuals.

Visit us today at www.friendshaverford.org.