Meeting Standards in Developmentally Appropriate Ways
As a parent, I understand that you may have concerns about your child meeting state standards if time is spent playing at school. Let me assure you that play is perhaps one of the best ways to ensure that children are well on their way to possessing the knowledge and understanding necessary to meet the academic standards of today. Below I have provided some detailed examples of ways in which each content area of the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs) can be addressed through play. I encourage you to read some of the materials listed under "More Information About Standards of Learning."
Math
The Geometry strand of Math SOLs for first grade are addressed as children play with blocks of different shapes and sizes. In order to build some sort of structure, children must identify and sort geometric figures such as triangles, squares, rectangles and circles. Both constructing models and then being able to describe them, providing reasoning for their choices of blocks cover Math SOL 1.12 and 1.13. Children may not even be aware of the geometric and spatial reasoning they are engaging in while playing with blocks!
English
Children can easily develop the skills necessary to succeed at mastering the Oral Language strand of English SOLs for first grade while engaging in dramatic play within the house area. Participating in creative dramatics, expressing ideas in complete sentences while playing with classmates, asking and responding to questions, and orally producing and manipulating various units of speech are all listed as Virginia SOLs. Also, I have clearly labled many items in the dramatic play area, therefore increasing student exposure to vocabulary that they can then begin to use with each other. Achievement of English SOLs 1.1 through 1.4 is encouraged through allowing children to engage in role-playing and dramatic play in the classroom.
Science
One way in which children work towards meeting the Matter strand of Science SOLs for first grade is through water play. Playing at the water table is always a favorite, year after year, as children get to experience science hands-on. In first grade, we focus on how different common materials react when exposed to water. While playing at the water table, children may discover that some liquids separate when mixed with water, that some solids actualy dissolve in water, and that certain substances may dissolve more rapidly in hot water than cold water. All of these discoveries correlate with first grade Science SOL 1.3.
Social Studies
Little do children know, they are actually learning Civics while they play with their classmates. In my first grade class, children are expected to treat each other fairly and with respect, express good sportsmanship, and help others. Children in my class are also expected to work hard, take responsibility for their own actions, practice self-control and honesty, and participate in important decisions through voting. All of these actions and ideas pertain directly to Social Studies SOL 1.10 and help plant the seeds of good citizenship in students.