The speech and language therapist is also an integral part of the team. The focus in first grade is to make students independent readers and writers who take joy in their skills and abilities.
Students also use a hands-on approach to learning mathematical concepts.
Every year first grade does many projects that weave together all of the curricular areas. We have an ice-cream party, celebrate Johnny Appleseed's birthday, make vegetable soup, and learn about winter celebrations around the world. In the spring, we learn about plants by taking an environmental walk on neighboring Blue Run Trail and enjoy literature by attending a play at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. There are many other activities which we learn from.