First Presbyterian Church & School, El Paso, Texas
First Presbyterian Church & School, El Paso, Texas
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Elementary

A Day in the Life
of First Grade

Welcome to the Sprouts classroom, where growing independence, meaningful relationships, academic discovery, and collaborative projects come together throughout the school day.

Curiosity & Discovery Learning Through Exploration Growing Together
First-grade students creating colorful artwork together

Welcome to Sprouts

Every day is an opportunity to grow.

In first grade, children build foundational academic skills while finding new ways to express their ideas, collaborate with classmates, and connect their learning to the world around them. Our daily rhythm balances focused instruction with art, movement, outdoor play, and shared projects.

Our Daily Rhythm

A Day with the Sprouts

Each part of the day offers opportunities to practice skills, build relationships, and discover something new.

8:30–8:40 AM
Connection

Morning Greetings & Snack

The Sprouts begin their day by greeting friends and teachers, catching up, and sharing stories about their lives. This relaxed time helps children reconnect with their classroom community. Children may also enjoy a snack if they are hungry.

8:40–9:00 AM
Language & Community

Morning Meeting

We gather as a class to begin the day together. Alternating between English and Spanish each day, children practice phonics, letter sounds, and Spanish vocabulary while developing their language skills.

First-grade children playing together beneath trees
9:00–9:45 AM
Creative & Physical Exploration

Athletics & Art

Our first exploration alternates between athletics and art. Through athletics, children develop coordination, balance, strength, and teamwork. During art, they investigate drawing, painting, and other hands-on materials while strengthening fine motor skills and creative expression.

Children’s illustrated work displayed in the classroom
9:45–10:30 AM
Academic Exploration

First Learning Rotation

Children explore Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science through teacher-led lessons, group experiences, and individual work. They practice academic skills, encounter new concepts, ask questions, and share their thinking.

Children exploring the shaded outdoor play area
10:30–11:00 AM
Outdoor Learning

Outdoor Play

It's time to head outside! Children run, play games, explore the playground, and enjoy fresh air with their classmates. Outdoor play offers opportunities for movement, friendship, and physical development.

Children participating in a performing arts activity on a stage
11:00–11:45 AM
Expression & Collaboration

Performing Arts

Through singing, acting, and movement, children discover new ways to express themselves. These experiences build confidence, strengthen communication, and encourage teamwork.

11:45 AM–12:15 PM
Friendship & Rest

Lunch Together

Lunch is a chance to eat, visit with friends, and take a break before the afternoon begins.

12:15–1:00 PM
Academic Exploration

Second Learning Rotation

Children return to Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science, building on their morning discoveries through lessons, practice, and classroom activities.

Children gathered on the wooden outdoor play structure
1:00–1:30 PM
Movement & Play

Afternoon Outdoor Play

A second outdoor period gives children time to move, choose how they play, spend time with classmates, and return to the classroom refreshed.

1:30–2:30 PM
Practice & Discovery

Third Learning Rotation

During our final academic rotation, the Sprouts continue investigating Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science, strengthening skills and extending concepts explored earlier in the day.

2:30–3:00 PM
Project-Based Learning

Collaborative Project Time

Our class comes together to work on one of four project cycles throughout the year: Community Helpers, Marketplace, Theater Play, and Art Show. Every child has opportunities to contribute ideas, collaborate, and help bring a shared project to life.

3:00 PM | Pick-up by 3:10 PM
Until Tomorrow

Dismissal

We wrap up our day and say goodbye, ready to return for another day of learning and discovery.

Learning Made Visible

Our Four Project Cycles

Throughout the year, the Sprouts collaborate on four shared projects. Project time invites children to contribute their ideas, work together, and see how their individual efforts become part of something larger.

PROJECT 01

Community Helpers

Exploring the people and roles that help a community function.

PROJECT 02

Marketplace

Investigating how people exchange goods, services, and ideas.

PROJECT 03

Theater Play

Bringing imagination, storytelling, and collaborative expression together.

PROJECT 04

Art Show

Sharing creativity and celebrating children's artistic expression.

Growing as learners. Growing together.

In the Sprouts classroom, every conversation, investigation, creative experience, and shared project contributes to a day filled with meaningful learning.

Come see the Sprouts classroom and explore First Pres with your family.

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