1st Grade

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.

Religion

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, Stewardship Friday, and Weekly masses.

Language Arts

Learning to read, write, and communicate is a major component of the first grade language arts curriculum. Indiana State Standards 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.

Math

Basic math skills coupled with traditional techniques help build a firm foundation of math skills. Manipulatives, hands-on activities, and 1:1 student Chromebook use facilitate learning.  First graders explore the following topics: Number sense, addition and subtraction, place value, measurement, time, money, fractions, regrouping and borrowing, and geometry.

Science

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.

Social Studies

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

Technology

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 digital citizenship and internet safety, and coding.

Music

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

Art

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

Physical Education

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.