FIRST GRADE CURRICULUM
RELIGION
We use the series Voyages: Exploring God's Word, which is a series of nine booklets. Students learn of God's love and how to show that love to others in their lives. Bible verses are memorized and a chapel service is attended each week. Prayer and God's word are intertwined throughout the day.
READING
This is a major part of each day and they become independent readers. We build a love, joy and pride in reading that will continue in years to come. A phonetic approach is used with Open Court Reading System as the main reading series, with supplementing from Houghton Mifflin Readers. A free reading time each day allows them to choose according to individual levels and interests. Parent involvement at home is expected.
LANGUAGE ARTS
Phonics, spelling, and story writing are incorporated as a part of the reading process. Story writing is done several days a week, learning punctuation, word usage, etc. Simple sentences are dictated to be written.
MATH
In our Horizon Math books, the children learn to use problem solving skills along with the basic addition and subtraction, graphing, geometry, time, money, and measurement. They also develop an understanding of the number system by writing number scrolls and having access to various math games.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Map reading is learned and continents and oceans are identified. We learn history by studying events of our past and the lives of people living in those times. Weekly children's papers are used as well.
MUSIC
Music includes a wide variety of activities some of which are singing, listening, rhythm instruments, etc. They help present a Christmas service and a spring concert or musical each year.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
First Graders have P.E. twice a week with Mrs. Dirksen. There are activities to develop sportsmanship and skills in sports for teams and individuals. They participate in the President's Physical Fitness testing each year.
ART
Students have art each week. Creativity and an appreciation of art are a focus as well as the elements of art such as line, shape, color, and form.
FIRST GRADE CURRICULUM
RELIGION
We use the series Voyages: Exploring God's Word, which is a series of nine booklets. Students learn of God's love and how to show that love to others in their lives. Bible verses are memorized and a chapel service is attended each week. Prayer and God's word are intertwined throughout the day.
READING
This is a major part of each day and they become independent readers. We build a love, joy and pride in reading that will continue in years to come. A phonetic approach is used with Open Court Reading System as the main reading series, with supplementing from Houghton Mifflin Readers. A free reading time each day allows them to choose according to individual levels and interests. Parent involvement at home is expected.
LANGUAGE ARTS
Phonics, spelling, and story writing are incorporated as a part of the reading process. Story writing is done several days a week, learning punctuation, word usage, etc. Simple sentences are dictated to be written.
MATH
In our Horizon Math books, the children learn to use problem solving skills along with the basic addition and subtraction, graphing, geometry, time, money, and measurement. They also develop an understanding of the number system by writing number scrolls and having access to various math games.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Map reading is learned and continents and oceans are identified. We learn history by studying events of our past and the lives of people living in those times. Weekly children's papers are used as well.
MUSIC
Music includes a wide variety of activities some of which are singing, listening, rhythm instruments, etc. They help present a Christmas service and a spring concert or musical each year.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
First Graders have P.E. twice a week with Mrs. Dirksen. There are activities to develop sportsmanship and skills in sports for teams and individuals. They participate in the President's Physical Fitness testing each year.
ART
Students have art each week. Creativity and an appreciation of art are a focus as well as the elements of art such as line, shape, color, and form.