St. Philip the Apostle School - Curriculum Guide

Grade One

RELIGION

First graders will learn through stories, activities, Scripture, prayer, discussion and reflection about their Catholic faith. Catholic values are discussed and integrated in all subject areas. The focus is on:

· traditional common prayers
· Creation
· God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit
· celebrating liturgy
· the sacraments
· liturgical seasons
· lives of saints

LANGUAGE ARTS/READING
The Language Arts Program includes reading, writing, speaking, listening, and the study of literature. The components of the program emphasize the development of those skills that allow students to read with fluency, comprehend and interpret written materials, communicate well and listen and speak effectively. The textbook used for reading is Houghton-Mifflin.

READING/LITERATURE
Children through the textbook series will experience authentic literature in the form of poetry, folktales, nonfiction, fiction, fantasies and plays. Reading fluency will develop and improve as students are presented with the following skills:

· linking spoken and written language
· using word identification strategies
· developing vocabulary (includes listening and sight)
· using word attack skills
· comprehending the main idea
· sequencing events of a story
· analyzing details
· using context clues
· distinguishing fact from fantasy
· making predictions
· self-appraising and self-correct while reading
· using glossary & dictionary

WRITING
First grade students use writing to convey meaning.

Students will:
· write effectively using words and pictures to convey thoughts
· write simple sentences
· apply spelling knowledge (skills are developed through a variety of spelling and phonetic patterns)
· apply grammar and mechanics:
        capitalization
        complete sentences
        basic punctuation

LISTENING/SPEAKING
First grade students will listen for understanding, follow directions and respond appropriately to the speaker. Students will use acquired language and vocabulary to express opinions.

They will:
· present material orally
· participate in discussions
· read & retell stories

TECHNOLOGY & REFERENCE SKILLS
First grade students will study, retain and use information from a variety of sources.

Students will:
· locate books of interest
· use software and CD-Roms for drill and practice
· recognize basic computer components
· identify uses of computer
· produce simple personal products

 

MATHEMATICS
First grade students acquire a knowledge of mathematics and the ability to apply math skills to solve problems through the use of the textbook, McGraw-Hill, along with extended activities, and hands on experiences.

Students will:
· identify, write and order number from 0-100
· add and subtract numbers up to 10
· use grouping and regrouping
· solve simple word problems
· chart, compare and graph data
· measure length and width
· use a calendar
· use clock to determine time
· identify monetary values
· identify patterns, shapes
· complete a hundred chart
· identify and describe characteristics of shapes
· use manipulatives to solve for an unknown

SCIENCE
Students use concrete, hands-on experiences to understand science in the physical and natural world around them. They learn through observing, predicting, questioning and explaining.

Students will study:
· Plant, animal and human growth
· Investigating habitats
· Properties of matter
· Gravity
· Force and motion
· Weather
· Patterns of change of Sun/Moon/Earth

SOCIAL STUDIES
 First grade students will develop an awareness of people around them.

The focus will be:
· Families
· Homes
· Neighborhoods
· Working Together
· Meeting needs through goods and services
· Celebrations


 PHYSICAL EDUCATION
 In first grade, students learn and explore factors that affect a healthy lifestyle.

Students will:
· Maintain personal fitness
· Acquire an awareness of personal health needs
· Demonstrate gross motor skills
· Participate in cooperative group games

ART
 In first grade, students will have the opportunity to express themselves in various art forms.

Students will:
· Communicate through art
· Take pride in their work

MUSIC
In first grade, students will have the opportunity to participate in music activities and to develop an appreciation for music.

Students will:

· Sing in groups
· Identify musical notes and rhythmic patterns
· Distinguish various types of musical instruments and elements

 

REPORTING

A report of student progress will be distributed approximately half way through each quarter.

Parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled in early November, but can be requested at any time.

Students will receive a report card at the end of the four marking periods.


HOMEWORK
First grade students will be assigned homework as needed for practice and reinforcement as well as for the completion of special projects.

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