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Grade I

First graders are typically 6 or 7 years old and, generally, have some basic reading knowledge. The planned curriculum for this age group challenges students to learn more and build on skills introduced in kindergarten.

In first grade, teachers will explore and introduce the concrete building blocks of math, which include problem-solving, operations, and number sense.
The first-grade science curriculum covers weather patterns, how they contribute to the water cycle, and how the water cycle sustains life. Simple tools, such as a thermometer and wind vane to measure weather conditions, are introduced.
They'll learn about how neighborhoods make up cities, cities make up states, and states make up nations, with a focus on how all of those components work together to create a cohesive unit.

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Alternate Names Across Curricula:

  • CBSE (India): Grade 1
  • British Curriculum: Year 2 (Key Stage 1)
  • American Curriculum: Grade 1
  • IB PYP: Grade 1 / Primary Year 1 (PYP Year 1)
  • Australian Curriculum: Year 1
  • MoE (UAE): Grade 1
  • Other equivalents: FS3 (sometimes used in transitional schools from EYFS), Lower Elementary

  • English Language / Literacy: Phonics, vocabulary building, reading comprehension, sentence structure, storytelling.
  • Mathematics / Numeracy: Number recognition (up to 100), basic addition/subtraction, place value, patterns, measurements, time.
  • Science / Environmental Studies (EVS): Introduction to plants, animals, body parts, seasons, weather, and the five senses.
  • Social Studies (where applicable): Self, family, home, school, community helpers.
  • Second Language (Arabic/French/Hindi): Introduction to alphabets, basic vocabulary and greetings.
  • Art & Craft: Colouring, drawing, collage work, craft activities.
  • Physical Education: Gross motor skills, coordination, simple group games.
  • ICT / Digital Literacy: Introduction to computers, mouse control, basic educational software.
  • Moral Education / Islamic Studies / Value Education (in GCC & MoE): Basic etiquette, respect, hygiene, kindness.
  • Some schools may also introduce Music, Dance, and Drama as part of holistic learning.

Grade 1 is often described as the foundational block of formal education. It marks the student’s shift from informal exploration to guided academic pursuit. This grade shapes a child’s attitude toward schooling and lays the groundwork for all fut

Grade 1 is the formal entry into primary education across most curricula. This year marks a transition from the early years’ learning-through-play approach to more structured academic learning. It builds foundational competencies in reading, writing, arithmetic, communication, and inquiry-based learning.

The focus remains on nurturing curiosity, enhancing fine motor skills, and establishing emotional, social, and cognitive readiness for academic learning.

  1. Play-Based & Activity-Based Learning:
    • Especially in IB and British curricula, Grade 1 continues with inquiry and play-centered education, moving gradually into more structured learning.
    • Group work, songs, role-plays, and tactile learning methods are prominent.
  2. Integrated Curriculum Approach:
    • Many international schools, especially those following IB or PYP frameworks, integrate subjects thematically. For example, a unit on “Plants” may involve storytelling, drawing, science, and even math.
  3. Phonics-Centric Literacy:
    • Emphasis on phonemic awareness is a key instructional strategy across all systems. Students begin blending sounds and forming words.
  4. Visual & Kinesthetic Teaching:
    • Teaching is scaffolded using visual aids, manipulatives, storytelling, and hands-on materials. The American curriculum may use classroom centers for interactive skill-building.
  5. Differentiation:
    • Due to varying developmental paces, teachers often personalize instructions to cater to different learning speeds and styles.
  6. Formative Assessments:
    • Checklists, observations, portfolio assessments, and anecdotal notes are widely used. Formal testing is minimal or non-existent.
  7. Language-Rich Environment:
    • Classrooms are designed to be visually stimulating with printed words, charts, flashcards, student work, and reading corners.
  8. Emotional & Social Learning:
    • Schools emphasize classroom routines, expressing emotions, taking turns, and working with others.
  9. Cultural Sensitivity:
    • Especially in the GCC, lessons are designed to respect Islamic values and local culture while being inclusive of expatriate backgrounds.

  • CBSE: More structured, textbook-driven with an emphasis on foundational literacy and numeracy.
  • British Curriculum: Year 2 concludes Key Stage 1. Assessment includes KS1 SATs (in the UK, not in all GCC schools). Emphasis on guided reading, writing genres, and differentiated numeracy.
  • American Curriculum: Standards vary by state, but generally emphasize classroom centers, cross-curricular projects, and interactive math.
  • IB PYP: Concept-based learning through transdisciplinary themes. Strong focus on learner profile attributes, inquiry, and reflection.
  • MoE UAE: Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Moral Education are integral parts of the curriculum. Blends traditional subjects with modern teaching methods.

Grade 1 is a critical phase that bridges play-based early childhood education with the academic rigor of upper grades. A balanced focus on literacy, numeracy, creativity, and social-emotional skills ensures that learners develop holistically. A nurturing and responsive teaching environment in Grade 1 lays a strong and joyful foundation for lifelong learning.