What your child learns in 1st grade in Washington
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 with tens and ones, and start measuring and telling time.
1st grade subjects in the Washington State Learning Standards
Math
Focus areas
- Quantity and Relationships: adding and subtracting within 20, and place value to 120
- Spatial Reasoning: shapes, measurement and the space around us
- Data Analysis: asking questions, collecting data and reading what it shows
14 units, including Numbers to 20, Numbers to 100, Count It Up, Make 10.
English Language Arts
Focus areas
- Reading: phonics, fluency and short texts
- Writing: writing sentences about a topic
- Speaking, Listening and Digital Forums: sharing ideas and building on what others say
12 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 Light & Sound, Sky & Seasons, Animal Survival, Parents & Babies.
Social Studies
Focus areas
- Families: near and far, now and then
- Needs, wants and choices
- Maps and locations
9 units, including My Community, Our Land, Maps, 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.
Washington report cards describe learning with Beginning, Approaching, Meeting, Exceeding. See what each level means.
Washington's Social Emotional Learning standards apply in every grade. Read about Social Emotional Learning.
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, Numbers to 20, See It Fast, More, Less, Same, Make 5 and 10
- English Language Arts: Letter Partners, First Sounds, Rhyme Time, Clap the Beat, Blend a Word
- 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 Washington State Learning Standards. 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 with tens and ones, and start measuring and telling time.
Washington report cards describe learning with Beginning, Approaching, Meeting, Exceeding.
Short, regular practice works better than long sessions: 10 to 15 minutes a few times a week, on the skills your child's teacher flags. Read together, use math in real life, and praise effort.
Practice 1st grade skills with Gradelings
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