Grade 1 - Rational Horizon Academy

Building the Foundation

Grade 1 focuses on developing fundamental capabilities that form the bedrock of all future learning. Students will master reading fluency, basic arithmetic, scientific observation, American citizenship concepts, and story comprehension. Every lesson builds confidence through achievable goals and celebrates the child's growing independence as a learner and thinker.

Key Grade 1 Capabilities

Read 100+ sight words fluently and decode simple sentences independently
Add and subtract within 20 using concrete objects and mental strategies
Observe and describe natural phenomena using scientific vocabulary
Identify American symbols and explain basic community roles and rules
Retell stories with beginning, middle, and end in proper sequence

36 Weeks

5 Subjects

180 School Days

Subject Areas

🔢 Mathematics

Focus: Counting to 100, addition and subtraction within 20, understanding place value, measuring length, and identifying basic shapes. Students use manipulatives and real objects to build number sense.

36 weeks

📖 Reading

Focus: Master all letter sounds, blend consonants and vowels, read 100+ sight words automatically, and decode simple sentences. Students progress from sounding out words to reading fluently.

36 weeks

🔬 Science

Focus: Observe and describe plants, animals, weather, and basic properties of matter. Students learn to ask questions, make predictions, and record simple observations about the world around them.

36 weeks

🇺🇸 Social Studies

Focus: Learn American symbols (flag, eagle, Liberty Bell), basic map skills, community helpers, and simple rules and laws. Students understand how families, schools, and communities work together.

36 weeks

📚 Literature

Focus: Listen to and discuss classic tales, American folk stories, and simple chapter books. Students learn to identify characters, settings, and plot while building vocabulary and comprehension skills.

36 weeks

Weekly Learning Structure

Each week follows a consistent pattern that builds mastery while maintaining engagement:

Monday: Introduction & Exploration

Tuesday: Skill Building & Practice

Wednesday: Application & Discovery

Thursday: Integration & Review

Friday: Celebration & Assessment

What Principles Matter for 6-7 Year Olds

Using Your Mind (Reason)

At this age: Children naturally ask "Why?" about everything. We teach them that their questions are valuable and that they can figure things out by looking carefully and thinking step-by-step.

Why it matters: Six-year-olds are building confidence in their thinking abilities. When they learn that their mind is reliable, they become eager, independent learners.

Learning Real Things (Reality)

At this age: Children learn best through hands-on experiences. We use real objects to teach math, real books for reading, and real places to learn geography.

Why it matters: First graders are naturally curious about the world around them. Connecting learning to real, concrete things makes knowledge stick and builds trust in their senses.

Learning Helps Me (Self-Interest)

At this age: Children understand "What's in it for me?" We show them how reading helps them enjoy stories, how math helps them count their toys, and how knowledge makes them capable.

Why it matters: Six-year-olds are developing their sense of competence. When they see that learning directly benefits them, they become motivated and excited about school.

I Am Important (Individual Worth)

At this age: Children are discovering their unique personalities and abilities. We celebrate each child's progress and never compare them to others.

Why it matters: First graders are building their self-concept. When they feel valued as individuals, they develop healthy self-esteem and confidence to tackle challenges.

Weekly Overview

Each week brings new discoveries and skills. Below is a week-by-week overview showing what students learn across all subjects throughout the year.

Week 1

Students begin their learning journey by counting to 10 with physical objects in Mathematics, learning letter sounds A-E in Reading, using all five senses to observe the world in Science, discovering the American flag and national symbols in Social Studies, and enjoying classic picture books like Corduroy and The Snowy Day in Literature.

Week 2

Building on foundational skills, students practice addition with numbers up to 10 in Mathematics, learn letter sounds F-J in Reading, explore living vs. non-living things in Science, identify community helpers like firefighters and teachers in Social Studies, and discover American folk tales in Literature.

Week 3

Students expand their understanding by practicing subtraction within 10 in Mathematics, learning letter sounds K-O in Reading, investigating plant parts and growth in Science, exploring family roles and responsibilities in Social Studies, and reading poetry and rhyming stories in Literature.

Week 4

Students demonstrate growing mastery by recognizing number patterns and skip counting by 2s in Mathematics, blending CVC words with letters P-T in Reading, understanding animal habitats and needs in Science, learning about basic needs (food, shelter, clothing) in Social Studies, and exploring fables with moral lessons in Literature.