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First graders’ are curious, enthusiastic and imaginative. They are eager to learn, to share their thoughts and new ideas, as well as to ask their many questions. They are able to think more logically than when they were in kindergarten, and are beginning to understand others’ perspectives. They are becoming more social and talkative (the class is often a busy and noisy room!) and thrive on encouragement when learning and trying new things. At AST, through the implementation of Responsive Classroom practices, we focus on building a positive and inclusive classroom community that are not only based on academic achievements, but also social and emotional skills that meet the first graders’ developmental needs.
In our classroom, first graders become mathematicians, skilled readers, authors, scientists and global citizens. Through a combination of explicit teaching and collaborative learning, students are able to take on the academic curriculum and also develop the skills needed to become critical thinkers, goal setters and achievers, and citizens of the world.
In our classroom, first graders become mathematicians, skilled readers, authors, scientists and global citizens. Through a combination of explicit teaching and collaborative learning, students are able to take on the academic curriculum and also develop the skills needed to become critical thinkers, goal setters and achievers, and citizens of the world.

Our curriculum is based on the internationally recognized standards of Common Core Mathematics and English Language Arts, Next Generation Science Standards, and AERO Social Studies. With an emphasis on literacy, in first grade, we focus on developing skilled readers based on the structured literacy approach of explicit, systematic instruction that focuses on phonological awareness, word recognition, phonics and decoding and spelling. Explicit teaching of reading and language skills help our first graders engage with their text and support their comprehension. The implementation of daily literacy rotations help to foster independent and engaged learners. Guided reading groups during these rotations provide opportunities for small groups of readers to apply different targeted reading strategies to a wide variety of texts, with the support of the teacher. In addition to our more academic subject areas, AST also provides diversity in our learners’ school day by integrating technology, STEM, physical education, art, music and Chinese into our weekly schedule.
AST’s first graders are an enthusiastic and energetic group of learners who are happy to be here and excited to learn!
AST’s first graders are an enthusiastic and energetic group of learners who are happy to be here and excited to learn!