First Grade

The Child

First grade children share a great desire to learn.  Memory, imagination, and enjoyment of rhythmical  repetition are common to this stage of development.  First graders remain very connected to adults, often forming strong attachments to role models.    The child is still somewhat “dreamy” and is more able to bring broad awareness than focused attention to the classroom.

The Class

The first grader makes a great transition from the Early Childhood program to a more formal learning environment in grade school.  Much learning takes place through activity and imitation.  During this year, students will acquire the good habits of classroom life that will carry them through their eight years at UPWS.  Cultivating reverence for nature, class social cohesiveness, care for the environment, respect for others, interest in the world and a feeling of confidence in their teachers are all goals for the first grade class.

The Curriculum: