1st Grade Curriculum Outline (Words Only)

Parent-facing planning outline. For DBM’s full scope & sequence, visit: https://www.dbmlearningacademy.com/compliance/general/compliance/curriculum.php

Language & Literacy

Reading Comprehension

• Retell beginning–middle–end with key details; identify main idea and simple inferences.
• Ask/answer who, what, where, when, why, how; make predictions and confirm while reading.
• Compare two stories on the same topic (characters, settings, events).

Story Elements

• Characters, setting, problem/solution; sequence events using transition words.
• Recognize author/illustrator roles and how pictures support meaning.

Grammar & Sentences

• Capitalize first word and “I”; end punctuation (. ? !); commas in dates/series (intro level).
• Nouns (common/proper), verbs (present/past), adjectives; subject–verb agreement in simple sentences.

Phonics & Word Families

• Short & long vowels (CVC → CVCe), digraphs (sh, ch, th, wh), blends (bl, st, tr).
• Word families (-at, -ake, -ing, -ight); segment/blend 3–4 phoneme words; syllable clapping.
• Spell phonetically regular words; begin common irregular words (said, was, are).

Writing & Journaling

• Write simple opinion, narrative, and informative pieces with topic + 2–3 details + closure.
• Use the writing process: plan → draft → share → revise (one idea at a time).
• Daily journal sentences; expand to short paragraphs by spring.

Handwriting & Cursive Foundations

• Print fluency: consistent size, spacing, line use; proper pencil grip and posture.
• Cursive introduction: teach basic strokes (over/under curves, slants), then lowercase letter sets by shape (e.g., i, t, u, w; then e, l, h).
• Connect letters in common joins; practice first and last name in cursive by year’s end.
• Blend cursive practice into journaling once per week for muscle memory.

Mathematics

Addition & Subtraction

• Fluency within 10; strategies within 20 (count on/back, make ten, doubles/near doubles).
• Model and solve word problems with objects/drawings/equations (unknowns in all positions).

Place Value & Number Sense

• Numbers to 120; tens and ones; compare using <, >, =.
• Skip-count by 2s, 5s, 10s; number patterns on hundreds charts.

Time & Money

• Tell and write time to the hour and half-hour on analog/digital clocks.
• Identify coins and values; count mixed coin collections (intro level).

Shapes & Geometry

• Name/describe 2D and 3D shapes; attributes (sides, vertices, faces).
• Compose/decompose shapes; partition circles/rectangles into halves/quarters.

Patterns & Graphs

• Extend/build repeating and growing patterns; describe the rule.
• Collect data, tally, and make picture/bar graphs; answer compare questions.

Science

Plants & Animals

• Basic needs, habitats, and simple life cycles; observe changes over time.
• Sort/classify animals (mammal, bird, reptile) with examples.

Weather & Seasons

• Daily weather chart; patterns across seasons; dress and safety choices.
• Measure temperature and precipitation (intro, non-standard tools ok).

Earth Materials

• Rocks, soil, water: properties and uses; conservation basics.

Forces & Motion

• Pushes/pulls, speed, direction; friction with ramps and different surfaces.

The Human Body

• Major parts and functions; five senses; hygiene and wellness habits.

Social Studies

Community Helpers

• Roles in the community; how helpers keep people safe and healthy.

Maps & Globes

• Map symbols, keys, and simple directions (N, S, E, W); school/home maps.

Rules & Responsibilities

• Why rules matter; classroom responsibilities; citizenship and kindness.

Holidays & Traditions

• Respectful exploration of cultural celebrations and family traditions.

Famous Americans

• Introduce several figures and their contributions (age-appropriate overviews).

Art

Color & Shape

• Primary/secondary colors, warm/cool palettes; geometric vs. organic shapes.

Texture & Pattern

• Visual and tactile textures; repeating patterns in art and nature.

Drawing from Observation

• Still-life basics; lines, outlines, details; simple shading.

Seasonal Crafts

• Paper, collage, clay/dough projects tied to seasons or studies.

Famous Artists

• Respond to artworks (e.g., Alma Thomas, Faith Ringgold, Monet, Van Gogh) using feelings and observations.

Music

Rhythm & Beat

• Keep steady beat; echo and create simple patterns (quarter/eighth notes intro).

Singing Simple Songs

• Pitch-matching, call-and-response, group performance etiquette.

Instruments of the Orchestra

• Families (strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion); identify by sound and look.

Music & Movement

• Move to tempo/dynamics; create movements that match form (AB, ABA).

Cultural Songs

• Learn respectful songs from various cultures; discuss meaning and context.

Physical Education

Basic Motor Skills

• Run, hop, skip, jump; throw and catch with improving control.

Team Games

• Cooperation, rules, turn-taking, and sportsmanship.

Movement & Balance

• Balance poses, simple yoga, coordination ladders or lines.

Fitness Fun

• Warm-ups, agility circuits, endurance games (age-appropriate).

Healthy Habits

• Hydration, nutrition basics, rest, and personal hygiene.

For DBM’s complete scope and samples across grades, visit: https://www.dbmlearningacademy.com/compliance/general/compliance/curriculum.php