What's Taught in First Grade

I have been volunteering in my son's first grade, so I have a fairly good idea about what is being taught. I am disappointed to see that very little is being done in social studies and science. When they have science or social studies, it is very basic, like identifying the parts of a plant or the members of a family. I think that the children could handle more-complicated work. Reading and writing seem to be taught well, but there is very little emphasis on spelling. Is this typical of most first grades? -- For More Science and Social Studies
Answer: The curriculum sounds appropriate. Instruction is being focused on the most important subject for this grade -- learning to read. The other subject that needs the greatest attention is math.
More than likely, the teacher is following the state and district curriculum for science and social studies. More complex topics will be introduced as the students acquire the skills to handle them easily. As far as spelling goes, an emphasis of this skill does not usually occur before second grade. Teachers have to get their first graders reading and doing basic math. Accomplishing this makes the year a success.