as well as money, may also be in the curriculum. In language arts, first graders are taught the fundamentals of literacy, including reading sentences, writing very simple statements, and mastery of the alphabet, building on what they have learned in kindergarten or other forms of pre-school. Expectations for first grade have changed due to Common Core Standards. The curriculum is typically based on standards developed by educators in each state. Most states use the Common Core Standards, so most schools across the country use similar curricula. First graders are expected to read and comprehend stories ranging in length and difficulty. They are also expected to show an improved fluency rate during the school year, with the ability to easily read stories by the end of the year. Students are also typically introduced to the concept of social studies, with an emphasis on establishing ideas of history or civics in either a personal or larger sense. Some states focus on the basics of US history and patriotism, with a focus on the Founding Fathers and the time period surrounding the American Revolution; other states require social studies focus on family relationships in first grade, leaving community, state, and national studies to higher grades. Basic geography is also taught in the first grade. Focus on the school's municipal area and culture, along with basic state geography, is also be focused upon in first grade in some states. First-grade science classes usually involve the discussion of matter, plant and animal science, earth materials, and balance and motion, along with the human body and basic health and nutrition. Science as inquiry is taught and practiced in first grade classes. Students are encouraged to observe the world around them and begin asking questions about things they notice. Africa In Sudan, children usually start grade 1 at the age of 6 or 7. In South Africa, children start grade 1 at the age of 6 or 7, depending on their curriculum (whether CAPS or Cambridge schooling system, etc). Oceania In some states in Australia, first grade is called Year 1. It is the second year of school after Kindergarten (called Prep in some states), and children are usually between 6 and 7 years old when entering. In New Zealand, first grade is called "Year 2." Children generally start this level when they are 6 or 7 years old. South America In Brazil, first grade is the