First Grade Curriculum

Religion (text:  Call to Faith, Harcourt)
Students will learn through stories, activities, Scripture, prayer, discussion and reflection about their Catholic Faith.  Catholic Values are discussed and integrated in all subject areas. 
The focus is on:

• God’s World
• God Loves Us
• God’s Son, Jesus
• The Church
• Following Jesus
• Signs of Love
• Forever With God
• Common prayers and liturgy (all-school Mass every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m.)

Math (text:  McGraw-Hill Mathematics)
Students acquire knowledge of math and the ability to apply math skills to solve problems through the use of the text, activities and hands-on experiences.  The students will:

• Identify, write and order numbers to 100
• Add and subtract numbers to 12
• Gain knowledge of place value
• Solve simple word problems
• Construct and read charts, tables and graphs
• Use calendar and measurement skills
• Read time to the hour and half-hour
• Count money (penny-nickel-dime-quarter combinations)
• Read and construct patterns
• Learn geometry and fractions

Language Arts/Reading
Language Arts includes reading, writing, spelling, handwriting, grammar and listening.

Writing
Students will use writing to convey meaning.  They will:

• Write effectively using words and pictures to convey thoughts
• Write simple sentences
• Apply spelling knowledge
• Apply grammar and mechanics (capitalization, punctuation, complete sentences)

Spelling
Students will learn to spell phonetic words and sight words and are to apply these words into their daily writing. 

Reading (text:  McGraw-Hill Reading)
Students will experience authentic literature in the form of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, fantasies, folktales and plays.  Reading fluency will develop and improve as students begin to master sills including:

• Linking to spoken and written language
• Develop vocabulary
• Sequence
• Make predictions and inferences
• Main idea and details
• Draw conclusions
• Use context clues
• Summarize
• Recognize cause and effect
• Distinguish between reality and fantasy
• Use the glossary and dictionary
• Self-appraise and self-correct while reading

Handwriting
Students will correctly and neatly form letters using the Zaner-Bloser manuscript.

Listening/Speaking
Students will listen for understanding, follow direction and respond appropriately to the speaker.  They will use acquired language and vocabulary to express opinions and will:

• Present material orally
• Participate in discussion
• Read and retell stories

Science (text:  Scott Foresman Science)
Students learn through prediction, observation, questioning and explaining.  They will study:

• Plants and animals
• Solid, liquid, gas
• Sound, light, heat
• Moving and working parts
• The Earth
• Weather
• Sky
• Senses
• Growth and change
• Taking care of their health

Physical Education
Students will:

• Maintain personal fitness
• Demonstrate gross motor skills
• Participate in cooperative games
• Come dressed for class

Specials

• Monday - Physical Education
• Tuesday - Library or Art
• Wednesday - Music/Art
• Thursday – Physical Education
• Friday – Computer/Library

Homework
First graders have homework Monday through Thursday for practice and reinforcement.

Parental Help

• Read to – and with – your child daily
• Show an interest in homework – provide a quiet place for study, check folders every day and check to see if homework is complete and ready for return to school
• Encourage good nutrition, rest, and exercise
• Model active participation in the liturgy every Sunday
• Celebrate your child’s successes!