First Grade

Welcome to West Salem First Grade!

acastaneda@salem.k12.va.us
chedley@salem.k12.va.us
nsheridan@salem.k12.va.us
We're excited to embark on a wonderful learning journey together. Our curriculum is designed to
provide a well-rounded educational experience that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and a love for
learning. Here's an overview of what your child will experience this year:

Language Arts
**Reading**: We focus on developing phonemic awareness with our Reading Horizons Curriculum,
comprehension skills, and fluency. Students will engage with a variety of texts, including fiction,
nonfiction, and poetry with our brand new Imagine Learning Curriculum!

**Writing**: Children will learn to express their thoughts and ideas through writing. We will cover
narrative, informative, and opinion writing, enhancing their vocabulary and grammar along the way.
**Speaking & Listening**: Interactive activities will allow students to practice their speaking and
listening skills through group discussions, presentations, and storytelling.

Mathematics
**Number Corner**: Consistent daily practice using the calendar, graphing weather, patterns and
numbers to count, manipulate and tally the days we are in school.
**Number Sense**: Students will explore numbers, counting, and place value. We will work with
addition and subtraction within 30 and develop strategies for problem-solving.
**Measurement & Data**: Introduction to measuring length, telling time, and understanding simple
data through charts and graphs.
**Geometry**: Children will learn to identify and describe shapes, and explore spatial reasoning
concepts.

Science
**Life Sciences**: We’ll investigate living things, habitats, and the needs of plants and animals.
**Physical Sciences**: We’ll explore properties of matter, forces, and energy through hands-on
experiments and observations.
**Earth Sciences**: Students will learn about weather, seasons, and the importance of caring for our
planet.

Social Studies
**Community and Citizenship**: Understanding roles in the community, including local government and
community helpers.
**History and Culture**: Introduction to family history, traditions, and the diversity of cultures within
our community and beyond.

**Social-Emotional Learning**
- We prioritize emotional intelligence and social skills. Students will engage in activities that promote
empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution.

Family Involvement
We believe that families are essential to the educational process. Regular communication will be
maintained through newsletters, conferences, and classroom events. We encourage you to participate
in your child’s learning journey.

We’re looking forward to a fantastic year filled with exploration, learning, and growth! If you have any
questions or ideas to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Welcome to first grade, cardinals!

Love,
Mrs. Abbi Castaneda
Mrs. Tina Hedley
Mrs. Nicole Sheridan