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First Grade Curriculum |
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“Train up a child in the way he
should go
and when he is old he will not depart from
it.” Proverbs 22:6
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Language
Arts
Our language arts program is literature-based, which means that the children are surrounded by quality literature. In our first grade classroom, reading and writing work together in a balanced literacy approach. We read ALL the time in first grade and the children have the opportunity to choose a variety of books at their level. We use the ABeka Christian reading series and Curriculum Press series for our guided reading program. We use a multitude of various leveled readers to meet the individual needs of each student. We also use a thematic approach, so that much of our reading and writing will relate to the current unit of study. In addition, several times a week we have BEAR time (Be Excited About Reading). During this time , children read quietly to themselves.
We study many well-known children’s authors and read many of their books. Each week we also read thematic and seasonal poems, which we collect in our Poetry Notebook and take home weekly to share. The students also write many and varied poems themselves and put in their Poetry Notebook. The students add around 25 Dolch words to the Word Wall each month along with many other words that relate to our units of study. Our spelling words and Dolch words are used daily in writer’s workshop.
Another key component to our first grade language arts program is the writer’s workshop. At least once per week, the children will be working on various forms of creative writing.
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Our spelling and phonics
program is based on the ABeka Christian curriculum and both work together as an
important part of our language arts experience. The students work closely with a designated phonics chart each
day and have corresponding skills in their Phonics Handbook that reinforces
those skills learned. The students are
tested over the phonics chart upon the completion of those phonics
lessons. The first grade spelling
skills include short and long vowel sounds, digraphs, blends, endings and vowel
combinations. As each new spelling
skill is introduced, students are expected to use these skills in his/her
writing. As first graders begin to
write, you will see quite a bit of “invented spelling” and this is acceptable
as they progress and learn to apply phonics rules and sight words to their
writings.
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Our
Bible curriculum is a very important and vital part of our daily program. It is the reason parents choose to send
their children to a Christian school. Our
Bible curriculum is integrated into our total academic program and sets us
apart from public schools. Learning
about the Lord and learning to talk and walk with the Lord is first and
foremost in our school. We truly
believe in the Great Commission and sharing the Lord with all we meet.
We use
the Beginners Bible by Karen Henley as our basic reader during Bible
lessons. We also use Beginner’s Bible
flannel graph stories and Bible story videos to further enhance our lessons. We do many art projects and writing
activities that correlate to our Bible lesson.
We also use the ABeka picture flashcards to reinforce through pictures
our Bible stories. The children memorize weekly Bible verses, larger Bible
verses, and learn pertinent Bible facts.
We use the Junior Bible Quiz card facts to gain Bible knowledge.
We are very blessed with guest speakers at
our weekly chapel services sharing the Word of God through song and stories.
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Our
school uses the ABeka Christian math program, which consists of a student
practice book, weekly assessments, daily math drills and class manipulatives.
We also
use an abundance of literature
with mathematic connections. Your child
will become fluent in the area of addition and subtraction equations through
13, as well as be exposed to concepts such as counting, money, time,
measurement, geometry, fractions, double-digit addition and subtraction,
problem solving and thinking skills. We
do Apple, Pumpkin and Potato Math Projects in the classroom with our parents
during the school year. Visit various math sites with your child for
interactive math fun.
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Our science program is centered on monthly thematic units from the ABeka science series. Each month the students prepare an assigned project from home to present to the class. Our first grade science units are: Ocean Life, Trees & Leaves, Five Senses, Magnets, Stars and Planets, Bears, Animals, Ecology, Science Experiments, and Insects.
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Our
social studies program is integrated across the curriculum to all subject
areas. We highlight a VIP student in
the classroom each week. We present a
Grandparent’s, Thanksgiving, Patriotic and Mother’s Day programs to our
parents. Holiday and seasonal events
are also explored in first grade. We
have the opportunity to have the Junior Achievement Program and learn more
about our community. The nurses from
SDSU come and present health units to the students. We are very aware of our social surroundings with guest speakers
at our weekly chapel services. We also
take a monthly field trip to learn more about our community.
Monthly Photo Pages To See Programs
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Technology
Our classroom has two PC computers that are Internet accessible. The children can explore topics that complement those studied in class. Our class participates in various online Internet projects over the course of the school year. In addition the students have computer class twice a week with a specialized computer teacher.
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Specials~Gym,
Computers & Music
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The students have the specials of gym, music, and computers twice a week with a specialized teacher and art in the classroom with the classroom teacher. The students are tested over the subject areas covered in their specials and receive grades.
Here are some great sites to check out math and language skills for your 1st grade child.
These sites have wonder games for your child to explore.
Getting
Students Connected in First Grade
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Easy Recipe for a Perfect First Grade Class
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1 bunch of happy eager students
1 enthusiastic, energetic, and
loving teacher
Combine the above
ingredients with:
2 c. reading
2 c. math
2 c. Bible & prayer
1 c. phonics
1 c. spelling
1 c. language
Spices for extra
flavor:
P.E
library
music
art
computers
Daily sprinkles
of:
honesty
friendship
respect
love for each other
Blend reading, math, Bible, prayer, phonics, language, and spelling very carefully and thoroughly each day. Sift in P.E., music, art, computers, and library to flavor. Daily add a bunch of love along with a scoop of understanding and a dash of discipline. Mix thoroughly and check to see if blending. Bake in a first grade classroom each day. Watch them grow and learn, daily adding more of each when needed. When they are done and the year is through-----turn them out into the world with knowledge, love and respect.
