First Grade

Grade One covers a wide variety of topics in each of the subject areas. We use a blend of texts, hands-on activities and children’s literature. A variety of teaching methods are used and the classes are all child-centered. We also use cross-curricular themes to enhance students’ interest and knowledge of many different topics.  

Language Arts and Reading: Themes vary with individual stories. Topics include:

Building a good base vocabulary  
Phonics (l/s vowel-blends)  
Sentence structure/grammar 
Writing skills (story writing/composing) 
Spelling  
Handwriting  
Different literary forms(poetry, mystery, fantasy, reality,humor, pattern predictable)

Math: Themes varied - Topics include: 

Recognizing/writing numerals  
Counting/order  
Addition/Subtraction to 18  
Simple geometric shapes  
Measurement: length, volume & weight, standard & metric
Telling time 
Counting money up to quarter (.25)  
Fractions (1/2, 1/3, 1/4) 
Place value 
Making and reading graphs

Science:  Our new science program covers the following topics: the sun; rocks, minerals, soil; animals that fly, crawl, jump, and swim; how plants live and grow; matter; magnets.  

The books present material at a developmentally appropriate level which makes it very exciting for the children. There are several hands-on activities in each book that do not require highly sophisticated equipment. They are practical activities that can be used easily in the classroom. There are also many activities that require the children to develop their critical thinking skills.  

In our classrooms, we also complement these areas of study with a variety of other activities. We use such things as related literature, songs, poems, finger plays. We devise centers to develop an area to a greater degree. Creative writing is often integrated as well as cooking experiences, etc. Parents who have a special knowledge in our field of study may be invited to share with us.  

Social Studies: Topics Include:

Current Events  
Community workers
Weekly Readers
Historical people
Holiday traditions/customs
Multicultural appreciation 
Directional skills/mapping

Religion: The theme for Grade One is, “Christ Our Life - God is Good” . Topics include:

Bible stories/parables  
Jesus and God (their role and how they effect our lives) 
Meaning of holidays/Holy Days 
Religious vocabulary

Health:  Topics include:

Dental health
Nutrition, Wellness
Emotional health/support/coping skills
Here’s Looking at You 2000 drug program.

Other:

Art
Computer
Gym/Swimming
Library and the Kindermusik program are weekly specials provided by trained personnel.