About the Program

First grade is a year of highly visible progress developed through our curriculum in all subject areas with major emphasis in Religious Formation, Reading, Language Arts and Math. First grade is also a year of exploration and discovery of the world around us through the academic development of Science and Social Studies. Honoring our mission, we strive to educate our first graders for life with the heart and mind of Christ.

Throughout the school year, our 1st graders are also involved in special activities such as: going to the pumpkin patch, Thanksgiving activities, going to the Fire Station, and enjoying local theater productions.

Religion lessons are based on the Archdiocesan Standards using the Sadlier Religion series.  Faith is nurtured every day through Bible stories and daily prayers.  In addition to learning prayers, the religion curriculum includes: The Creation Story, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Sacraments, Lives of the Saints, Missions program, Family Life, Stewardship Friday, and Weekly masses.

Learning to read, write, and communicate is a major component of the first grade language arts curriculum.  Common Core State Standards and the McGraw Hill Reading Wonder Series are used for daily instruction in phonics, phonemic awareness, comprehension, fluency and vocabulary.  In addition, other skills and activities covered are spelling, grammar, journals, creative writing projects, varying, literature genres, story structure, reader’s theatre, and ability-grouped instruction.

Basic math skills coupled with traditional techniques help build a firm foundation of math skills.  Manipulatives, hands-on activities, and SMART board use facilitate learning.  Indiana State Standards and the Sadlier math series are used to explore the following topics: Number sense, addition and subtraction, place value, measurement, time, money, fractions, regrouping and borrowing, and geometry.

First graders learn science through hands-on experiences and develop skills for observing, classifying, and inferring.  The topics covered throughout the school year include: astronomy, weather, states of matter, animals, motion, and magnets.

In social studies, students explore concepts and make connections through study of the following topics: maps, communities, seasons, holidays, and geography.

Students will review the home row keys and begin learning the correct finger placements for typing. Along with this they will focus on reviewing parts of the computer, reviewing mouse skills, learning about Microsoft Word (ribbons or toolbars), and using spelling, reading and math games.

Students will focus on easy rhythm, pitch identification, dynamics & tempos, composition techniques, and improvising short songs.

Students will work on vocabulary, learning about art elements, art appreciation, creating unique pieces, faith-based holiday projects, and cross-curricular projects.

Students enjoy simple games and structured play to develop gross motor skills and movement patterns, listening and following directions, manipulating sporting equipment, and making healthy life choices.