The first grade is planned to help children make the transition from Kindergarten to grade school with self assurance and eagerness for further learning. Students are encouraged to continue being a part of the community of learners who sustain each other. The first grade is a self-contained classroom in which language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, religion, and art are taught. Additional teachers teach Spanish, physical education, music, and library studies.
Language Arts
The main goal of the language arts program is to incorporate daily the different approaches to beginning reading. Reading instruction consists of a broad approach using phonics, literature, and writing to best accommodate all learning styles and levels of readiness.
During reading, students will have an opportunity to see themselves as readers and will build on their fluency. They will also learn reading comprehension skills in fictional and non-fictional text. Students will explore words, word families, spelling, and phonics; then implement what they learn about words in their reading and writing instruction. In addition to phonics and reading, the students will practice penmanship, learn the rules of grammar, and the steps of the writing process.
Math
Math instruction is done with the Sadlier series. It takes a traditional approach to teaching math. This program promotes structure and order. The students are expected to learn and remember math facts. They are taught the traditional way to count, add, subtract, tell time, count money and solve word problems. The traditional approach to math increases the student’s capacity to understand concepts.
Science
Science provides students with the opportunity to investigate the natural world and learn about interesting and exciting science ideas. The life sciences introduce the students to learn how the five senses help group and compare living and non-living things. The earth sciences teach students that earth is composed of land, water, and air. They will investigate how it is connected to the changes of weather. They will also encounter the physical side of science. They will learn that everything is made of matter and can change with heat and light. Students develop observation skills and reasoning ability through discussions and hands-on experiments with every lesson.
Social Studies
First graders continue developing social awareness reading and activities in which they can integrate major understandings, skills, and their own experiences as individuals, members of a family, and community. Students learn and gain a better understanding of commonality and diversity, continuity and change, conflict and cooperation, individualism and interdependence, and interaction with different environments. These ideas are designed to assist students organize their thinking and develop competencies they will need as citizens in a diverse, changing, and interdependent world.
Religion
The first graders are introduced to a simple overview of the mysteries of our faith. In learning of the goodness of God, who created and saved us, and the love of Jesus, the children are drawn to respond to God in friendship and prayer. In and through Jesus, the children come to know God as his loving Father, who is truly our Father too. The children learn of God’s greatness and His call to eternal happiness with Him in heaven. The students learn the story of God’s salvation for all people, Jesus’ revelation of the Father’s love through his public life, and the Paschal Mystery. The students are introduced to the Liturgical seasons of the Church year, the Bible and learn traditional Catholic and spontaneous prayers. These concepts are presented through use of the student’s text, storytelling, the Bible, and hands on activities.
Art
Art is a time when students can express their thoughts, feelings, and creativity through their work. The students also learn techniques in painting, print making, color combinations, and collages with different types of materials. Most art projects are incorporated to a certain theme or season throughout the year.
Computer
Students are introduced to the basic parts and operation of the computer. Educational software is available for activities in language arts and mathematics. These programs focus on concepts that are taught in the classroom. The students also spend time on word processing so they are familiar with the keyboard and learn how to publish their work. |
