Grade 1 Study Topics

• Religion: We  focus on Jesus’ love for us. Bible Stories are taught and applied to the lives of first graders.
• Reading: Leveled readers and five different  basal readers assist students in building fluency and comprehension for independent reading.  Basic phonic skills such as long and short vowel patterns, blends, clusters, contractions, and compound words are taught along with strategies for word attack.
• Accelerated Reader: This computer-based program is used to strengthen comprehension. Students strive to become independent readers and then are guided to books that help their reading level progress.
• Language: Nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and sentence structure all complement the skills developed in the reading series. Creative writing is also a regular area of practice.
• Mathematics: Problem solving is a key component of our math text. Computational skills of addition, subtraction, money, time, and fractions are also addressed. Hands-on skills and games complete this area of study.
• Science: Big Books and experiments are used to help students learn about the human body, matter, living things, weather, and how things move and work
• Social Studies: First graders explore landforms, map skills, neighborhoods, different cultures, history, graphs and charts as they learn about their world.
• Computer: Students learn how to log on, capitalize, add spaces, change font, and become comfortable working on the keyboard. These activities are done through Word and computer learning programs.
• Art/Music/P.E./Choir: Each of these areas expose children to physical and cultural experiences that help them grow. A variety of media, activity, and musical skills are explored. The choir has several opportunities during the year to sing in church.
• Addition Items: Communication with the home is an integral part of creating a successful school experience. Weekly notes from the teacher keep parents well-informed and up-to-date on classroom activities and accomplishments.
• Spanish: Through DVD instruction students become familiar with the Spanish language and the cultures of the people who speak it. Songs, literature and poetry are used to teach and reinforce concepts.