Curriculum
Religion
First graders will learn about their Catholic Faith through stories, activities, Scripture, prayer, discussion, and reflection. Catholic values are integrated into all subject areas.
The textbook used in first grade is Blest are We (Silver Burdett Ginn)
Information on our textbook series can be found at www.blestarewe.com
The Religion curriculum focuses on:
- Bible stories
- Creation
- Old Testament – God’s Family
- New Testament stories
- Advent/Christmas season
- The Life of Christ
- Parables and miracles
- Lent/Easter season
- The Mass
- Special celebrations with student involvement
- St. Nicholas Day
- All Saints Day
- Mary and the Rosary
- Baptism
- Prayers
- Hail Mary, Our Father, Prayer before meals, Angel of God,
- and the Glory Be
- Buddy Activities
Language Arts: Reading, Phonics and Handwriting
The Language Arts program emphasizes the development of skills that allow students to read with fluency, comprehend and interpret written materials, and to communicate effectively.
Our Reading textbook series is Scott Foresman, Phonics series is Modern Curriculum Press, and our Handwriting series is Zaner-Bloser. Other materials are added throughout the year for enrichment.
Topics covered in the Language Arts curriculum include:
- Word attack skills
- Correct grammar
- Correct use of punctuation
- Comprehension skills
- Developing vocabulary
- Identifying the main idea
- Use of context clues
- Sequencing events
- Distinguishing between fact and fantasy
- Making predictions
- Oral reading
- Creative writing
- Author Studies
- Dr. Seuss
- Norman Bridwell
- Helen Lester
- Spelling
- Rules for correct spelling
- Applying phonetic skills
- Develop Listening and speaking skills
- Students present materials orally
- Participate in class discussions
- Read and retell stories
- Handwriting
- Apply correct letter formation
- Zaner-Bloser Handwriting method
Mathematics:
First graders use the Harcourt Math series, which provides a wide variety of strategies and activities to differentiate instruction so that all students can experience success in mathematics.
A helpful website for this series can be found at: www.harcourtschool.com
Topics covered in the Mathematics curriculum include:
- Addition and subtraction concepts
- Addition and subtraction facts to 12
- Addition and subtraction of two digit numbers
- Graphing
- Place value to 100
- Comparing and ordering numbers
- Describing characteristics of shapes
- Fractions (1/2, 1/4, 1/3)
- Identifying and counting monetary values
- Telling time to the hour and half-hour
- Calendar skills
- Measuring length, width, weight, and liquid volume
Social Studies
First graders will develop an awareness of people around them.
The Social Studies Curriculum is enhanced by the Houghton Mifflin “We the People” Series.
Topics covered in the Social Studies curriculum include:
- Families
- Diverse Cultures
- Native Americans
- International Unit
- Chinese New Year
- Living in a community (Junior Achievement)
- Our country and its hero’s
- Map studies
Science
First graders will use concrete, hands-on experiences to understand science in the physical and natural world around them.
The textbook for the Science Curriculum is MacMillan McGraw-Hill.
Topics explored in the Science curriculum include:
- Plants
- Magnets
- Matter
- Animals
- Dinosaurs, penguins, bears
- Weather
- Seasons
- 4-H Incubation Project (chicks)