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First Grade
Learning becomes an enjoyable, hands-on experience in first grade with many opportunities to understand the academic disciplines through classroom activities, practice assignments, and learning games. Students engage in thematically-based learning activities both inside and outside the classroom. The integration of new ideas and learning with other subject area specialists allows students to practice new concepts through song, drama, science experiments, computer activities, physical movements, and art projects.
Building on the strong foundation of the kindergarten language arts program, the goal for each first grader is to become an independent reader, one who reads joyfully for both pleasure and information. The students progress from learning to read to reading to learn. Language development continues as the children grow in the areas of oral and written expression, listening, and thinking. Small groups of readers meet regularly to build skills in decoding, vocabulary, phonics, oral expression, and comprehension. Through cross-curricular work, students learn that reading and writing are tools for learning. Books and materials are carefully selected to enhance the students' natural curiosity and to promote the factor of wonder that creates life-long learners.
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The first grade math program promotes learning math by doing math. The students have opportunities to use math in class routines and activities designed to advance their conceptual understanding. Computational math is practiced daily with the math text and many in class activities. Students strengthen their math abilities by using cooperative strategies for problem-solving and by focusing on applying the concepts they have learned.
The social studies program is based on a study of self and others to develop a better understanding of how individuals are a part of and contribute to their communities. The students begin by understanding history as a story about the past and exploring the important events and people of America. They make direct connections to the past via a study of their own family's history. From studying the historical meaning of holidays around the world, children gain an awareness of how our country’s traditions and customs have been enriched by other cultures. Map and globe lessons in geography help children to recognize landforms and political boundaries, along with giving students basic map-reading skills.
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Laguna Blanca is Santa Barbara’s premier private, co-educational, college preparatory day school for students in Early Kindergarten through Grade 12.