1st Grade
Language Arts
Todd School uses a research-based core language arts program entitled Reading Street. This program is designed to help teachers build skillful readers and writers through motivating and engaging literature, scientifically research-based instruction, and a myriad of reliable teaching tools. This balanced literacy program aligns with the New York State Common Core Standards and integrates technology. Students read selections on a common theme in all genres where oral language literacy and listening skills are stressed. Throughout the week a particular comprehension skill and strategy is taught along with story vocabulary, phonics and spelling, grammar and writing. Students practice these skills multiple times as a whole class, during small group guided reading instruction, independently at practice stations or with peers. Teachers differentiate instruction and have a variety of strategies at hand to create successful readers.
Math
Todd School uses a research-based core mathematics program entitled Primary Mathematics. Primary Mathematics is a program designed to equip students with a strong foundation in mathematics. Topics are covered in depth and taught to mastery. The pedagogical approach involves the concrete, pictorial and abstract understanding of concepts. Students first encounter the mathematical concepts through the use of manipulatives. Students then move on to the pictorial stage in which pictures are used to model problems. When students are familiar with the ideas taught, they progress to a more advanced or abstract stage in which only numbers, notations and symbols are used. By focusing on mathematical understanding the program aims to help students develop logical thinking and problem solving skills.
Social Studies
Todd School uses the Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES Social Studies/ELA web-based curriculum. This common core aligned curriculum exposes students to several units of study. Units of study include Rules and Laws, We Are Family, Unity in Community and Economics.
Science
In conjunction with the Science 21 program, science activities are aimed at developing the ability to predict, observe, compare, draw valid conclusions, and record data. Sample units include:
Todd School uses a research-based core language arts program entitled Reading Street. This program is designed to help teachers build skillful readers and writers through motivating and engaging literature, scientifically research-based instruction, and a myriad of reliable teaching tools. This balanced literacy program aligns with the New York State Common Core Standards and integrates technology. Students read selections on a common theme in all genres where oral language literacy and listening skills are stressed. Throughout the week a particular comprehension skill and strategy is taught along with story vocabulary, phonics and spelling, grammar and writing. Students practice these skills multiple times as a whole class, during small group guided reading instruction, independently at practice stations or with peers. Teachers differentiate instruction and have a variety of strategies at hand to create successful readers.
Math
Todd School uses a research-based core mathematics program entitled Primary Mathematics. Primary Mathematics is a program designed to equip students with a strong foundation in mathematics. Topics are covered in depth and taught to mastery. The pedagogical approach involves the concrete, pictorial and abstract understanding of concepts. Students first encounter the mathematical concepts through the use of manipulatives. Students then move on to the pictorial stage in which pictures are used to model problems. When students are familiar with the ideas taught, they progress to a more advanced or abstract stage in which only numbers, notations and symbols are used. By focusing on mathematical understanding the program aims to help students develop logical thinking and problem solving skills.
Social Studies
Todd School uses the Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES Social Studies/ELA web-based curriculum. This common core aligned curriculum exposes students to several units of study. Units of study include Rules and Laws, We Are Family, Unity in Community and Economics.
Science
In conjunction with the Science 21 program, science activities are aimed at developing the ability to predict, observe, compare, draw valid conclusions, and record data. Sample units include:
- Organizing Ourselves
- Seasonal Science/Weather
- Investigating Attributes and Properties
- Identifying the States of Matter
- Investigating Living Things
- The Sea
Social/Emotional Learning
Todd School uses Habits of Mind and Mindfulness practices to develop effective listening skills as well as a safe, positive learning community.
Homework
Throughout the year homework may be assigned occasionally to develop a sense of responsibility in the students, to include families in the learning experience, and to provide skill practice when appropriate. Reading or listening to a variety of genres on a regular basis is recommended and expected. Families also have the opportunity to access Reading Street and Primary Digital at home as resource for continued practice of skills and strategies taught in the classroom.