First Grade

What should your child be able to do in Math by the end of Grade 1?

• Solve addition and subtraction word problems within 20
• Understand the relationship between addition and subtraction
• Apply the properties of operations  (commutative and associative properties of addition)
• Add and subtract within 20
• Count to 120, starting at any number
• Understand the meaning of the equal sign
• Understand place value: ones, tens
• Use place value to add and subtract within 100
• Measure lengths and tell the measurement in units
• Tell and write time 
• Build and talk about a graph
• Compare shapes by talking about sides, vertices, etc.
• Compare two-dimensional shapes to three-dimensional shapes. 

Read the Standards. 

What should your child be able to do in Language Arts by the end of Grade 1?

Reading
• Ask and answer questions about details in a reading selection
• Retell stories, including details
• Explain the differences between books that tell stories and books that give information
• With prompting and support, read first grade informational texts 

Reading: Foundational Skills
• Understand the organization and basic features of print
• Recognize features of a sentence (capitalization, ending punctuation(
 • Understand spoken words, syllables, and sounds
• Understand phonics and word analysis; know that every syllable must have a vowel sound
• Read regularly spelled one- and two-syllable words
• Read aloud with accuracy and expression 

Writing
• Write opinion pieces that include an opinion and the reason for the opinion
• Write informative pieces that name a topic, supply facts, and provide closure
• Write narratives about two or more events in the correct order; include details

Speaking and Listening
• Follow rules for discussions by building on what others are saying and by asking questions
• Follow simple two-step directions
• Speak in complete sentences

Language
• Use correct grammar
• Print all uppercase and lowercase letters
• Use correct capitalization, punctuation, and spelling
• Determine meaning of unknown words by looking at parts of the word and other words in the sentence
• Sort words into categories and define words by key attributes  
 
Read the Standards. 

Grade 1 Assessments
1. Measures of Academic Progress/MAP (math and ELA assessment)
Family Guide 
2. Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills/DIBELS (State-mandated dyslexia screener)
Understanding Literacy Screening: Parents and Families (WA State)
Parents' Guide (DIBELS - University of Oregon)
Parent Report Guide (Understanding DIBELS Scoring) 

What happens if there's a problem?
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1. Seattle Public Schools uses the Multi Tier System of Supports (MTSS) framework to support all students academically. This system allows teachers to tailor instruction to each student, including additional assistance where needed:
What is MTSS? A Jargon Free Explanation for Parents

2. Students with disabilities that affect their learning may be eligible under Federal law for additional supports in the form of an Individualized Education Program (IEP):
A Step-By-Step Guide to the IEP Process (Scholastic)
Special Education (Seattle Public Schools)
Getting to Results: A Guide to Special Education in Seattle Public Schools (Seattle Special Education PTSA)
 
More Information / Supporting Your Child's Learning at Home
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Readiness Check - Math and Reading (Learning Heroes)
What does success look like in First Grade reading and math? (videos - Great Schools) 

Family Guide to Support Learning - Grade 1 (Seek Common Ground)
Parents' Guide to Student Success - Grade 1 (National PTA)
Family Guide to Grade 1 Learning (Seattle Public Schools)

Struggling Readers - Guidelines for Concerned Parents (Read Charlotte)
Helping Struggling Readers (Reading Rockets)
Reading 101 - A Guide for Parents (Reading Rockets)

How children learn addition and subtraction (video - Graham Fletcher, elementary math specialist)
Supporting Your Child in 1st Grade Math (Council of the Great City Schools)