Reading, Writing, and Spelling
The 1st grade uses the Slingerland® Approach. This is a simultaneous, multi-sensory approach to speaking, reading, writing and spelling. It incorporates the auditory, visual, and kinesthetic motor channels of learning. We use a variety of poetry and texts, including the Reading A-Z program. This provides opportunities to tailor the program to fit individual needs, and for students to develop their reading/language skills.
It is exciting to watch first graders develop their reading and writing skills. Sometimes the strides they make are so small, yet even these small steps are essential for a solid foundation. Patience, understanding, and support are crucial to your child’s success. At times a first grade day can be compared to Goldilock’s search through the three bears’ house: too hard, too easy, just right!
Math
This year our math series is Envisionmath 2.0. We focus on major curriculum guidelines for math including:
- whole number relationships
- addition and subtraction
- geometric attributes
- concepts of measurement
- representing data including: tallies, graphing, tables and pictures
- reasoning, problem-solving and communicating
Science
First grade uses the FOSS Science program. This program provides hands-on learning of a variety of scientific concepts through themes. The first grade themes are:
- Air and Weather
- Sound and Light
- Plants and Animals
Social Studies
Social students is integrated through the curriculum and focuses on several topics:
- Communities
- Schools
- Families
- Black History Month
- National holidays
- Important people in history
- Transportation
Religion
First grade curriculum focuses on our individual uniqueness, God’s love for us, the gifts God has given us including Jesus and our faith. Students are given opportunities to explore their faith through prayer, Mass, and service learning.
Self-Regulation
First graders will use “Character Strong” curriculum to develop skills such as:
- Metacognition
- Executive Function
- Emotional Regulation
- Sensory Processing
- Social Awareness
