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 SJCS Curriculum by Grade
FIRST GRADE
First grade students continue learning new skills in the areas of mathematics, reading, and writing. Phonics work is strongly emphasized along with daily reading. Social studies, computers, music, and art are also introduced to the curriculum at this level. First graders are encouraged to learn about their relationship to God, others, and their surroundings through concrete activities that develop each student’s unique gifts and talents.
Highlights in First Grade
Fairy tale unit concluded with Fairy Tale Ball
Field trips to community helpers
Field trip to Christmas in the Park
Thanksgiving feast
4th grade reading pals
Grand Friends Day
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Bible- God’s Plan. (Christian Schools International)
Students in first grade study God’s plan for his people throughout the Old and New Testaments. The curriculum highlights God’s creation, his care for the Israelites, and the leaders he provided. First grade students also focus on the life and purpose of Jesus from his birth to his ascension, as well as the early church. Story telling, discussions, memory work, and creative projects are ways for students to express their understanding.
Math- Math 2. (Saxon)
Through the use of a step-by-step (incremental) study of math skills, first graders learn to understand the order of God’s creation. Some of the topics include addition and subtraction, telling time, counting money, recognizing shapes, understanding basic fractions, graphing, and sequencing. In class, a variety of techniques such as the use of manipulatives, written and oral practice, problem solving, and group work are used to meet each student’s learning style.
Reading/Phonics- Reading: California (Houghton Mifflin)
Students will learn how to read through varied phonics instruction. The phonics portion of the reading program targets basic reading skills for students such as consonant and vowels sounds, consonant clusters, possessives, contractions, plurals, digraphs, vowel pairs, trigraphs, combination sounds and “r” controlled sounds. On a weekly basis students are also introduced to high frequency words. Through the phonics process students learn to match sounds and letters. By blending sounds together students improve their reading skills.
Reading- Reading: California (Houghton Mifflin)
The literature portion of the reading program introduces students to quality literature and at the same time introduces students to a variety of comprehension methods. Students learn to do things such as sequencing, predicting, comparing, contrasting, inferring, summarizing, and classifying. They also note details and recognize cause and effect. In addition, students are continually encouraged to develop a greater appreciation for the creative arts through quality children’s literature.
Word Knowledge- Reading: California (Houghton Mifflin) (Rebecca Sitton Spelling)
Students in first grade improve the quality of their writing through weekly spelling work. Spelling in first grade begins after the first quarter. Throughout the spelling program students spell words that incorporate a variety of phonics concepts which are learned concurrently. Daily spelling activities and weekly spelling tests reinforce concepts like consonant and vowels sounds, consonant clusters, digraphs, vowel pairs, and “r” controlled sounds.
Writing/Grammar- Reading: California (Houghton Mifflin), (Zaner-Bloser Handwriting)
The writing portion of our language program allows students to practice basic writing mechanics. Students learn to identify and define parts of a sentence as well as when to use punctuation and capitalization. Throughout the year students will be introduced to different writing styles. In addition, students are encouraged to develop their creative writing ability through independent journal activities, shared and coached writing, and making class storybooks.
Social Studies- A Child’s Place. (Harcourt)
Because first grade students are constantly learning how they relate to God and to others, the Social Studies curriculum is a study of different kinds of communities. The lessons start with small communities like family, church, school, and neighborhoods and progress to larger communities such as city, country, and world. We aim to help students understand their role, as children of God, within the different types of communities. Main features of the year include creating a time line, visiting community helpers, creating and presenting personal projects, and doing whole class projects (construction paper city, land form display).
Science- Science. (CSI)
The study of science helps students learn about the ways God reveals himself in his creation. Some of the things students investigate are living and non-living things, plants, animals, water, air, weather, machines, and magnets. Throughout the year, students learn through discussions, models, demonstrations, experiments, and group and individual projects.
Health- Healthy Living: Stepping into Health. (CSI)
Children are image bearers of God and need to keep their bodies healthy. In health education students will learn about personal safety, understanding their bodies, making healthy choices, and relationships within families. Students practice safety drills, recognize danger, and learn appropriate responses. They recognize themselves as unique children of God, fearfully and wonderfully made. First graders concentrate on body systems, emotions, and senses. Children learn to make healthy choices in obedience to God.
Social Development- Second Step. (Committee for Children)
It is a student’s responsibility as a follower of Christ to develop appropriate social interactions. The Second Step program encourages students to develop anger management skills, to resolve conflicts, to understand their emotions, and make good choices.
Music- The Music Connection. (Silver Burdett Ginn)
Because Music at SJCS begins in first grade, the year is an introduction to the building blocks of music. First graders practice simple rhythms, beginning solfege (do-re-mi . . .), steady beat, instrument recognition, vocal skills, and listening skills. Special study is given to Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker.” Throughout the year students begin to experience and see music as a gift from God for us to enjoy and use for His glory.
Art
Art at SJCS begins in first grade and therefore is an introduction to the mediums, types, and vocabulary words of art. Students work with design principles and elements, painting, color awareness, collage, printmaking, ceramics, art history, and beginning art vocabulary. Through this curriculum students gain an awareness that God is the ultimate artist, as seen through his creation.
Physical Education- Physical Education K-2 (CSI)
Physical Education in first grade focuses on developing fundamental skills, fitness awareness, and rhythmic movement. Non-locomotor and locomotor skills are practiced and manipulative skills are developed. Self-space awareness is developed through chasing and fleeing activities. Fitness awareness is developed while the students participate in various activities throughout the year. Flexibility and strength are tested in the Presidential Physical Fitness Award. Self-understanding is learned through effort and a positive attitude.
Computers- Techworks Level 1 (Teacher Created Materials)
Students review the basics of computer use and learn about different types of computers. Keyboarding / touch-typing and especially word processing form a large part of the first grade computer curriculum. Students are encouraged to write short stories and illustrate them using the computer. |