First Grade
This is the continuation of the Grammar stage where the solid foundations of language, faith, and the sciences continue to be developed. Our academic theme this year is Ancient Greece where our students will hear the stories and participate in activities related to this formative time in world civilization.
LANGUAGE
In the grammar stage the solid development of language skills is paramount. In first grade, students continue to develop their knowledge and love of language through vocabulary, phonics, spelling, the beginnings of grammar and oral reading. They continue to develop their handwriting and comprehension skills in all areas of the curriculum.
Phonics, spelling, reading skills, and comprehension are all taught through the Super Kids series produced by Zaner-Bloser. In first grade, students master more complex phonetic elements and learn to decode and encode structural patterns. Their fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills increase greatly as they read longer and more complex literary and informational texts. Students use the writing process to write narratives, informational texts, and opinion pieces.
Handwriting is Writing Our Catholic Faith by Universal Publications. This handwriting series builds on previously learned skills to help students continue to develop manuscript handwriting. Traceable words and sentences reinforce proper letter formation, letter and word spacing. Beautiful Catholic pictures and enjoyable activities keep students engaged in each lesson
RELIGION
Students are introduced to God the Father and are given an invitation to know, love, and trust Him and to learn his love story with us.
Text: Our Heavenly Father published by Ignatius Press
MATHEMATICS
Saint Mary’s uses a traditional, sequential approach to mathematics instruction. This sequential approach emphasizes number sense, patterning, mental math, memorization, critical thinking, and grade appropriate algebraic reasoning, all integrated with problem solving and assessment. As a result, students learn, understand and are comfortable with using mathematics.
Our text is Progress in Mathematics published by Sadlier. Progress in Mathematics provides rigorous content focused on building deep conceptual understanding of key math skills and concepts at each grade level in an orderly, natural format.
SCIENCE
One of the beauties of Saint Mary School is the immense campus on which we are located. Our teachers take advantage of this by introducing their students to the beauties and wonder of God’s creation through nature walks, material gathering, nature crafts and similar pursuits.
HISTORY
History, along with language and religion, are the foundational subjects of classical education. At this level students learn ancient history by listening to, discussing the stories, and doing related activities.
The text is The Story of the World-volume 1: Ancient Times published by Well Trained Mind Press. As we want students to strengthen their listening skills and powers of their imagination, only the teacher has the text used with an engaging and reinforcing activity book. This series is used through fourth grade.
In addition, each day students participate in either Latin, Art, Music, Gym, or Library.