Didactic Materials

After mastering common nouns, it’s time to introduce proper nouns. Some proper nouns are tough for first graders to understand because some words can be both a common noun and a proper noun depending on the context in which the word is used.

Let’s explore more about the differences between common and proper nouns, and how to teach kids to properly capitalize proper nouns when they write them.

One of the first grammar rules children must master is the parts of speech. This refers to how words are used in sentences; does the word describe an action, or does it describe a person, place or thing? Parts of speech consist of many different types of words, from verbs to adjectives, and beyond. The simplest first step in teaching parts of speech cover common nouns. These are everyday words that kids use all the time!

In this article, you will learn about the types of common nouns and will find a selection of activities to practice this important topic.

One notoriously difficult concept for first graders to master is possessive nouns. Confusion often stems from learning to use apostrophes in a new way, and the difference between singular and plural forms. Even adults struggle with knowing where to put the apostrophe, and what to do when the word naturally ends in the letter “s”. 

The best way to tackle this tricky skill is to face it head on and practice as much as possible! Keep reading to discover all the resources that Kids Academy offers to help your first grader master possessive nouns.

As children enter 3rd grade, they become ready to build on their vocabulary and  reading skills.  This is a great time to introduce more complex word recognition strategies  as it helps children decode unfamiliar words and can improve their reading  comprehension.  In addition, this will help improve children’s vocabulary and support their spelling and pronunciation.

Today’s daily knowledge boost gives children a chance to explore Citizen Rights’ and Freedom, Laws and Governance, and the Three Branches of Government. 

One math concept that students spend a lot of time on, especially in 3rd grade, is fractions. Manipulating fractions is an important skill for students to master because it can build a foundation for more complex topics, develop their critical thinking skills, and help kids better understand more abstract concepts and establish connections across multiple subjects. 

Today’s daily knowledge boost provides students in 3rd grade with in-depth study of fractions: making and representing fractions, as well as comparing fractions through their denominator and numerator.

As students progress through the grades, math concepts begin to get  more complex. Understanding place value helps children in 2nd grade as it is a foundation to number sense and math operations. Today’s daily knowledge boost will give children an opportunity to explore the place value of ones, tens, and hundreds as well as a slightly more challenging topic of expanded formation. 

In 2nd grade it is very important for learners at this age to dive deeper into the world around them. The properties of matter are the basis for future science learning. Students start with this topic in Kinder and deepen in its complexity as they move up in each grade. Exploring matter encourages students to observe and inquire and gives opportunities for students to practice critical thinking and observation skills.

An essential life skill that children are learning in 1st grade are concepts around and involving time. Learning to tell time at a young age has many benefits. Mastering this skill can help children develop a sense of responsibility, enhance cognitive development, and support academic growth.  It also builds foundational math and cognitive abilities and fosters independence for children in 1st grade and further. Today’s knowledge boost includes opportunities for students to explore the hour and minute hands on a clock, reading time on a clock to the hour and half, as well as looking at a digital and analog clock. 

As a child grows, it is important to foster their curiosity of the world around them. The sun, moon, and stars are a topic of extreme interest for students in 1st grade. Building a strong foundation of knowledge about  the main parts of our solar system can develop a sense of wonder about the universe and their place within it,  as well as inspire future interest in the STEM fields. Mastering these concepts will also build a strong foundation for more complex topics. Today’s daily knowledge boost allows children to explore and gain knowledge about the sun, moon, and stars!