Students are introduced to the Accelerated Reader Program and encouraged to take tests over books they read. Establishing a love for reading is a major goal of first grade teachers. Students are active participants in math. Their Way program are incorporated into daily mathematics instruction. Students learn about patterns and place value, addition and subtraction facts to 18, measurement, how to count money, tell time, calendar skills, beginning geometry and simple fractions.
Students draw pictures to illustrate their creative solutions to math problems.
Problem-solving skills are integrated into other curricular areas. Science, Social Studies, and Health are important areas of the curriculum, too. Students learn about scientific principles by watching the metamorphosis of Monarch Butterfly Caterpillars and by participating in hands-on Science experiments. Students explore science concepts and principles when they participate in activities which are planned by elementary education students in Dr. Charles Price's Science Education class at the University of Southern Indiana . Social Studies units range from Native American Indians to reading and constructing Maps.