First Grade
It is in first grade that 6-7 year olds build their foundation in various subjects and learn new concepts. 1st grade is a time of hands-on learning. It is a year to feel big with copying homework off the board and into planners. Students take test in all subjects and get real grades. They learn to read, comprehend and implement what they have learned. Students learn they have to listen, pay attention and follow certain rules. As well as, learn there are consequences for their actions. 1st graders learn about each other and how the class works together as a little family. They know they are loved and in a safe environment.
Language Arts:
Language Arts covers phonics, reading, spelling, grammar, and writing. The reading program combines all these together, so during a typical week, students work on certain phonic skills that their spelling words are built around, as well their stories for the week. SPCC has a strong phonics program where students develop a phonemic awareness of letters and their sounds. 1st graders build vocabulary with sight words and decodable words found in their stories. Students read everyday to increase their fluency and understanding. They work to build their comprehension and learn different reading strategies that are taught throughout the guided reading program each week. Every week they have certain grammar skills they learn and try to apply in their writing.
Math:
In Math students develop an understanding and can demonstrate the concept of tens and ones in the place value number system. They continue to develop addition and subtraction skills, gaining a deeper understanding of the concepts as they practice and gain mastery of these skills. Math manipulative such as snap cubes, counting bears and different shapes are used to help students practice math using concrete objects. They learn to solve simple word problems, record data and interpret simple charts and pictographs. Many and varied math concepts are introduced such as: comparing and ordering numbers, counting and trading coins and learning to tell time to the hour and half hour. They learn to measure things by standard and nonstandard units and discover facts about shapes and their attributes.
Religion:
In Religion, the goal is to help students to know and appreciate that God is their loving Father and the creator of all things. Jesus is the Son of God who reveals the Father to us through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Explore the concepts of being members of God's Church through the sacrament of Baptism and as members of God's Church they will become aware of liturgical celebrations and recognize the role of prayer in their lives.
Science:
In Science, 1st graders develop a deeper understanding of the needs and structures of plants and animals. They continue their study of weather by observing, measuring, and recording weather conditions regularly to learn more about day-to-day and seasonal changes. By participating in classroom discussions, students are able to discover and make observations, share ideas and evidence, and learn to reevaluate their thinking when presented with new information. Here are a few of the other topics we cover in our first grade year: our earth’s land and natural resources (reusing and recycling), matter, energy, pushes and pulls, and all about magnets.
Social Studies:
In Social Studies, students study the geographical features of America, acquire map and globe skills, as well as read about who was important in making a difference in forming our land and how our land was settled. We study communities and what makes a good leader, as well as a good citizen. This is tied in with discussion on how we all have a role to play in our American economy.
