Grade 1

Welcome to Grade 1 

2023 Grade 1 Information Handbook

Here is an overview of the programs we run at Parkdale Primary School in Grade 1.

LITERACY

Literacy encompasses three dimensions: Reading and Viewing, Writing, Speaking and Listening.

Within this time students are presented with many opportunities to develop all three dimensions.
Word study, handwriting, punctuation and grammar are also taught.

Reading

The Big 5 underpins our Reading Instruction from Foundation to Grade 6. We believe the 5 pillars of: Phonological/Phonemic Awareness; Phonics; Vocabulary; Fluency; and Comprehension are the essentials for reading success. We use a structured literacy approach incorporating MSL/OG and a range of effective programs under the Big 5 umbrella. At Parkdale Primary School we reflect on what works best for our students, research best practice, and adjust accordingly.

In Grade 1, students will read in a variety of ways each day. This may be with a teacher, to themselves or a partner. We also invite parent helpers to assist with our reading program.

Take Home Reading: students will bring home decodable and/or levelled readers to practise and consolidate reading at home. We encourage students to read each night.

Writing

A number of genres are taught in grade one, including recount writing, narratives, procedural texts, poetry and information reports. We use a range of resources and hands on experiences to support our teaching of these genres.

Word Study

Our Word Study program uses the Multisensory Structured Learning/Orton Gillingham (MSL/OG) evidence-based approach. Students actively participate in a spelling program which explicitly teaches spelling concepts and enhances the opportunity for the consolidation of knowledge through application during literacy sessions.

Sound Packs

Students continue to use their Sound Packs in Grade 1. The Sound Pack assists with:

• Decoding - practise letter to sound
• Building instant recall
• Consolidating their understanding of spelling concepts taught (the new sound will be added to the pack once the sound and rule is taught)

MATHEMATICS

Mathematics has 3 dimensions: Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability.

At Parkdale P.S. children are pre-tested on upcoming maths concepts. This information informs our teaching, as well as the student’s areas of needs. Children are then grouped accordingly. Lessons are differentiated to target the needs of the children within each group.

All Maths lessons will incorporate the 4 proficiencies of Understanding, Fluency, Problem Solving and Reasoning.  

INQUIRY

The inquiry units for Grade One are:

• Term 1 – ‘Learning How to Learn’/ ‘Families Past and Present’
• Term 2 – ‘Weather in my World’
• Term 3 – ‘Australia’ – (States and Territories, capital cities and landmarks)
• Term 4 – ‘Mini Beasts’

Inquiry is linked to other areas of the curriculum throughout the term.