First Grade

Our Philosophy

First grade is a time of growth and discovery. Children are learning many new skills, academically, and socially. They are beginning to learn about the world and their place in it and are awakening to a journey as lifelong learners. At the beginning of the year, first graders transition to a full school day that includes recess and lunch. Throughout the year they make amazing strides in their reading, writing, and mathematics skills. First graders also delve into a variety of content areas through science, social studies, and Spanish. Of course, at the heart of our curriculum is our Catholic faith. First graders are learning about God, their Creator and Loving Father, Jesus, His Son, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

First Grade Curriculum

St. Francis offers a strong and varied academic curriculum for first grade students.

Religion: Because we are a Catholic school family, we are able to learn about our faith, as well as live it. Our first grade program helps the children to come to know Jesus and to celebrate the Good News. Through daily activities, prayers and practices, the children are invited to grow in faith as they come to understand God’s love, the life and teachings of Jesus, and what it means to belong to the Church. Our children learn to put faith into action by participating in Catholic service projects, which reach out to others within our local area and the world community.

Reading/Writing: In first grade, we take a balanced approach to reading instruction including both strong phonics and whole language components. First graders learn various strategies for reading, writing and spelling. The steps the writing process are taught through the use of the Write Source program. We balance the creative aspect of writing with learning the mechanics of proper formation of letters. The Zaner-Bloser Spelling Connections program connects letters, thinking, phonics, reading, and writing.

Math: Our comprehensive math program helps first graders develop their thinking skills in a variety of ways. The core of the program focuses on mastery of basic addition and subtraction, computation through the use of hands on materials, as well as workbook exercises. Children learn number order, patterning graphing, story math, and place value. Introductory skills include fractions, geometry, measurement, and counting money.

Science: First graders are instructed in a variety of science units. Students enjoy hands-on apple and pumpkin investigations, introducing them to observation skills and methodological approach needed in science. Other units include physical science, animal and plant units, earth science, and health topics.

Social Studies: Through use of the Scott Foresman Social Studies series, first graders learn about community, basic economic principles and respect for our country and its symbols. Other social studies units include Native Americans, African American history, presidents, and geography. We supplement this series with current events and topical themes through the Scholastic News Magazine each month.

Enrichment

Specials and enrichment opportunities enhance the first grade core curriculum.

Specials: Each week our first graders participate in art, music, gym, computer, and library classes. In addition, Spanish is being taught this year for 30 minutes per week. The children also benefit from additional enrichment in the form of special assemblies and programs.

Recess/Lunch: Everyday, first graders enjoy 20 minutes of outdoor recess time followed by a 25 minute lunch period. Recess and lunch are supervised by parent helpers.

Parent Opportunities: In addition to recess and lunch supervision, there are many other opportunities for parental involvement, such as:

·  Becoming a room parent

·  Assisting in the library

·  Working with small groups of children on reading, writing, and math enrichment

·  Being a guest reader

·  Helping prepare classroom material