Grade 1 Curriculum

LITERACY

First grade uses Wilson Fundations, a multisensory, structured language program which includes letter formation, phonological and phonemic awareness, and phonics. Each Unit focuses on word structure pertaining to the following: blending and beginning to read, segment and spelling, sentence dictation, consonant digraphs, “Bonus letter” spelling rule, glued sounds, baseword and suffix -s , -es, -ed, -ing, blending and reading words with 4 and 5 sounds, long vowel sounds for consonant -e, and the concept of closed syllable words. In addition to Fundations, it provides students with a wide variety of literature experiences, exposing them to poetry, narrative, and expository text. Guided reading is used in the classroom in small-group instruction and for independent reading. This allows the teacher to work closely with each student to help them become better readers by introducing them to increasingly challenging books while meeting the varying instructional needs of each child in the room through guided reading.

MATH

St. Peter School is using Sadlier’s Progress in Mathematics. This program aligns with Common Core standards and teaches students problem-solving strategies and higher-order thinking skills. The First Grade math curriculum includes numbers, number words and ordinals, addition strategies and fact to 12, subtraction strategies and fact to 12, data and graphs: using operations, place value to 100, extending addition and subtraction facts, geometry, money and time, measurement, addition two-digit numbers, subtraction two-digit numbers, and fractions and probability. Students participate in daily, whole-group lessons using math manipulatives and worksheets, and explore hands-on math games, which allow for small-group lessons and differentiated instruction.

SCIENCE

First grade uses the Nancy Larson Science series. The topics covered for the year include Describing the Life Stages of Human Beings, Observing Trees, Exploring Sunlight, Water, and Soil, Investigating Animals and Their Habitat, Discovering What Is Inside Our Bodies, and Examining the Characteristics and Life Cycles of Insects.

RELIGION

First grade uses the Sadlier We Believe program. It is used weekly to nurture the students’ relationship with Jesus. We cover four units: Jesus teaches us about God’s love; We are followers of Jesus; We belong to the Church; and We celebrate and live our faith.