Academics ~ First Grade

"Live, laugh, love, and learn." ~ St. Mary's First Grade Team

First Grade Curriculum

The St. Mary's first graders experience a curriculum that is built on past concepts learned in Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten at a developmentally appropriate level.  New information is linked to previous knowledge and enhanced by homework, class work, group activities, and field trips.  Teachers are committed to providing a well-balanced education, not only focusing on the academics but nurturing the development of character in each child.  The teaching of Christian morals is not only done in chapel and religious education classes but is integrated into all areas of learning.  With two assistants and two teachers in first grade the student to teacher ratio is 11:1.  This allows for more individualized attention to each child's needs.  Along with more attention the first grade teachers focus on creating a safe school (CASS) environment by emphasizing positive behaviors toward others through the study of the Fruits of the Spirit.

READING
The reading program is a whole language approach incorporating the use of phonics, writing, inventive and traditional spelling, authentic literature, and poetry.  The spelling program is based on the phonics sounds and the vocabulary from the reading series.  The reading series introduces fiction, nonfiction and poetry readings for the students.  Journal writing, phonics based stories, leveled readers, and comprehension worksheets are used to reinforce concepts taught.  The first grade students are separated in four groups with both teachers and both assistant teachers leading one of the four groups.  These smaller groups allow for more opportunities for teacher attention and student participation.
 

LANGUAGE ARTS
Language arts is taught alternating the writing process and grammar concepts.  Students use a variety of writing topics to express themselves.  The skills of revising and proofreading are taught using the students' own work.  The concepts of the parts of speech are reinforced using workbook practice and group activities.  The modern manuscript method of handwriting is used to emphasize the proper writing skills.  This method uses a continuous stroke and emphasis is on the ease of forming letters. 
 

MATH
The math program in first grade is a two-part program, the first part emphasizes critical thinking skills and the second part provides practice in number skills. New concepts are presented in increments with time in between for practice.  Learning with concrete manipulative activities is an integral part of the program.  Regular assessments are used to track a student's progress toward success in the program.  Also added to the program is basic number facts practice and enrichment opportunities. 

SCIENCE
The unit themes in First grade Science are Physical Science, Earth and Space Science, Life Science, and Science and Technology.  The students go the Science Lab twice a week to explore these units.  The concepts are taught through investigating properties, earth materials, and animals and their needs.  Curriculum is enhanced through the use of PowerPoint presentations, contemporary audio and video equipment, and a variety of hands-on experiences.

SOCIAL STUDIES
The First Grade Social Studies curriculum is based on thematic units that involve our community, historical events, and the world at large.  Current events are discussed as a teachable moment.  Field trips and crafts are integrated into the program to further the exploration of the thematic units.
 

ENRICHMENT SCHEDULE
In first grade the enrichment classes rotate every five days.  This allows for continuity and creativity in these classes.  The students participate in the following enrichments: Computer, Art, Music and Spanish.
 

VISUAL ARTS
The visual arts curriculum in first grade explores the study of themes in art, artists, art media and techniques, and the chronology and history of art.  Students develop skills to understand and appreciate artwork as they participate in hands on art activities.

TECHNOLOGY
Students in first grade attend class in rotating blocks of five days. First Class email is introduced, and email buddies are established with members of the faculty.  First graders also learn the Accelerated Reader program.  Formal keyboarding work begins in first grade as word processing skills are introduced. Skills from prior years are reviewed and reinforced. First Grade’s special project is an illustrated biography done in KidPix3.

MUSIC
First Grade music is based on Orff-Schulwerk methodology, incorporating speech, singing, movement, and instrument playing. The emphasis in each class is the active participation of each child. The students learn to sing on pitch, recognize note values, move in structured patterns, create simple movements for various styles of music, and improvise various ostinatos and sounds on the barred instruments.  Rhythmic speech is learned and transferred to both pitched and unpitched percussion instruments.
 

SPANISH
Longer messages to communicate are the focus in first grade.  Basic sight word reading is encouraged as they continue to list and respond orally.  New vocabulary is expanded to include holiday words, transportation, locations, likes/dislikes, and a review of vocabulary from previous grades is covered.
 

LIBRARY
During weekly visits first grade students enjoy story time and book checkout. Introductory library skills, responsible library usage, and literature appreciation are taught in library class. In order to emphasize the alphabetical arrangement of library shelves and reference tools, we read a book by an author whose last name begins with “A” during the first week and continue each week all the way to “Z.” Award-winning stories and selections, including those from the current Florida Reading Association list, are included in the book selections. A wide range of early reader books in the library supports the school’s Accelerated Reader program.
 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Students at the first grade level continue to explore specific movement skills. They begin learning to incorporate their individual skills into the concept of team sports. Proper form and technique for these skills (i.e. throwing, catching, kicking, striking) are emphasized. Personal fitness is introduced to the first graders to help them understand the importance of exercise.

RELIGION
The curriculum and chapel services are rooted in the Episcopal faith. As part of the curriculum, the students are introduced to Christian Values, as well as the Sacred Stories of the Bible through a variety of activities.  Emphasis on how God wants us to treat each other with kindness, love, and respect, is a recurring theme throughout the year.  The whole school attends chapel services twice a week.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
The children in first grade sit at individual desks arranged in groups, which support the individual as well as small group or whole-class learning. These groups of desks couple as learning centers for hands-on activities and the frequent use of manipulatives.

FIELD TRIPS/RESOURCE SPEAKERS
Field trips and resource speakers are coordinated with the social studies and science units. In addition, the students celebrate many special days in first grade.  Among these days are the 100^th day of school, Grandparent’s Day, Blessing of the Pets, Spirit Day, Cinco de Mayo, assembly performances, holiday activities, and Children’s Hospital Outreach Program.

St. Mary's Episcopal Day School
2101 South Hubert Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33629
(813) 258-5508
Fax: (813) 258-5603

 

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