Students in Grade One will receive instruction in English Language Arts, Math, Religion, Handwriting, Science, and Social Studies. Following are the summaries of the curriculum covered in each of these subject areas.
Religion
Text – We Believe. Sadlier, 2015.
The students will learn about the lives of the saints and complete projects about a few of their favorites. They will also learn about Jesus’ life on earth and how they can be more like Him. Some of the topics will include The Holy Family, Mary our Mother in Heaven, and God’s many gifts to us. Students will also explore the meanings of Lent and Easter. They will be making Stations of the Cross books to help them understand the true meaning of Easter. They will learn about the sacrament of Baptism and how they became members of the Catholic Church. Students will make special books about their Baptisms. The month of May will be dedicated to Mary our Mother, and the students will work on many special projects to honor her. The will learn about Mary’s life, her importance in the Catholic Church, and her closeness to her son, Jesus. They will also learn to pray the rosary in her honor.
English Language Arts
Text – Storytown. Harcourt, Inc., 2009.
Phonics. Modern Curriculum Press, 2011.
The students will read a variety of stories taken from current children’s literature through which they will meet many interesting authors. Throughout the year, they will perfect their decoding skills and expand their vocabularies. As part of the program, students will learn the fundamentals for writing their own stories. They will master grammar concepts such as kinds of sentences, proper and common nouns, verbs, adjectives, and punctuation to aid them in their creative writing endeavors. They will also continue to practice handwriting and phonics on a daily basis.
Math
Text –Go Math . Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015.
This program will emphasize the use of mental math, critical thinking, and logical reasoning. The students will master their addition and subtraction skills using cooperative activities, manipulatives, and math facts games. Problem solving will be introduced using a variety of strategies. Students will visit the worlds of Geometry and Measurement. Addition and subtraction of two digit numbers will also be introduced. Students are encouraged to practice their math skills at home everyday, especially addition and subtraction facts within 20.
Science
Texts – Science Spin. Scholastic Publishing
Dimensions. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2018
This program will promote active learning, deeper thinking and encourage problem solving skills. The topics covered include: Engineering and Technology, Sound, Light, Plant and Animal Structures, Living Things and Their Young, Objects and Patterns in the sky. Students will not be graded.
Social Studies
Text- Scholastic Magazine. Scholastic Publishing
The curriculum will include the study of holidays, important historical figures, basic map skills, and the local community. Current events also will be explored through the use of Scholastic Magazine. Students will not be graded.
Additional Information
Students in Grade One also will attend classes in Art, Computer, Library, Music, Physical Education and Spanish. For a program description of these subjects, please click on the corresponding menu item at the top of the page.
For a description of the Curriculum Guidelines of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, visit the website of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office of Catholic Education.
For information regarding Core Curriculum State Standards for Grade One, go to this link PA Common Core Standards.