What your child learns in 1st grade in Maine
In 1st grade, reading and writing take off. Children sound out words, read short books and write simple sentences. In math they add and subtract within 20, learn place value up to 120 and count coins. Social studies looks at Maine's symbols and leaders, communities, and traditions, including those of the Wabanaki Nations.
1st grade subjects in the Maine Learning Results
Math
Focus areas
- Quantitative and algebraic reasoning: adding and subtracting within 20, place value to 120, and coins
- Geometric reasoning: shapes, angles and the space around us
- Statistical reasoning: measuring, collecting data and reading what it shows
14 units, including Numbers to 20, Make 10, Adding, Take Away.
English Language Arts
Focus areas
- Reading: phonics, fluency and short texts
- Writing: writing sentences about a topic
- Speaking and listening: sharing ideas and building on what others say
13 units, including Blend It, Short Vowels, Word Families, Sh, Ch, Th.
Science
Focus areas
- Light and sound
- How plants and animals survive and grow
- Patterns of the sun, moon and stars
7 units, including Animal Survival, Light & Sound, Sky & Seasons, Parents & Babies.
Social Studies
Focus areas
- Maps of my neighborhood and community
- Maine's symbols and leaders
- The Wabanaki Nations and other traditions
10 units, including Maps, Our Land, My Community, Changes in My Life.
Printable 1st grade sheets
One free practice sheet for each subject, with an answer key. Print them, or work through them on screen.
What to look for on the report card
Look for comments on reading simple books, spelling common words, adding and subtracting, and taking part in class.
Maine has no statewide report-card scale in 1st grade, so Gradelings describes practice in four steps: Beginning, Approaching, Meeting, Exceeding. See what each level means.
Maine's Guiding Principles apply in every grade and every subject. Read about Guiding Principles.
The four practice steps in 1st grade
- Beginning
- Practice shows a first understanding of the learning standards. Most answers still need a hint or a second try.
- At home: Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Approaching
- Practice shows a partial understanding of the learning standards. Some answers are right on the first try.
- At home: Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practicing the tricky parts.
- Meeting
- Practice shows a solid understanding of the learning standards. Most answers are right on the first try.
- At home: Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Exceeding
- Practice shows a deep understanding of the learning standards, including harder, unfamiliar questions.
- At home: Applies it confidently, even in new or harder situations. Try challenge mode and real-life problems.
Ready for 1st grade?
1st grade builds on what your child practiced in Kindergarten. If a skill feels shaky, a few short practice sessions before or early in the year can help:
- Math: Count to 10, Make 5 and 10, Add & Take Away, More, Less, Same, Shapes & Sizes
- English Language Arts: Letter Partners, First Sounds, Rhyme Time, Clap the Beat, Sight Words
- Science: What Living Things Need, Push & Pull, Weather & Seasons, Care for Our Earth, Sun & Shade
- Social Studies: All About Me, Families, Needs & Wants, Places Near Me, Fair & Kind
Common questions
1st grade covers math, English language arts, science, social studies in the Maine Learning Results. In 1st grade, reading and writing take off. Children sound out words, read short books and write simple sentences. In math they add and subtract within 20, learn place value up to 120 and count coins. Social studies looks at Maine's symbols and leaders, communities, and traditions, including those of the Wabanaki Nations.
Maine has no statewide report-card scale in 1st grade, so Gradelings describes practice in four steps: Beginning, Approaching, Meeting, Exceeding.
Practice shows a solid understanding of the learning standards. Most answers are right on the first try. At home: Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
1st grade builds on Kindergarten. In math, that means Count to 10, Make 5 and 10, Add & Take Away. In English language arts, that means Letter Partners, First Sounds, Rhyme Time.
About 10 minutes a day of short practice works better than long sessions, on the skills your child's teacher flags. Count everyday things out loud: stairs, grapes, steps to the car. Read aloud every day and let your child finish familiar phrases. Praise effort, and stop on a success.
Practice 1st grade skills with Gradelings
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