A continuation of a kindergarten manual, this guide to teaching first grade emphasizes the need for a classroom environment that is responsive to children's needs for concept development, language acquisition, and active exploration of the world. Use of learning centers is presented as a strategy for actively involving youngsters in their own learning. The acquisition of literacy is stressed, with many suggestions for reading and writing activities that combine skill development with growth in reasoning skills. First grade teachers will find practical suggestions on scheduling, organizing the classroom environment, involving parents, and assessing children's progress. Themes are used to integrate curriculum areas, such as social studies, mathematics, art, and physical education. Three fully developed themes are illustrated in the manual: friends, numbers around us, and brushes. They offer a variety of individual and small group activities suitable for children of various backgrounds and ability levels. Each theme includes sections on instructing the Limited English Proficient child in the first grade classroom. The nine sections of the manual concern: (1) the first days in grade one; (2) creating a learning environment; (3) the interactive teacher/the child of the week; (4) developing themes of study; (5) the literate child; (6) involving parents; (7) child assessment; (8) developmental skills and scope of curriculum areas; and (9) resources and references. (RH)