List of 6 items.

• Reading

  First graders practice reading independently and in guided reading groups, which help them build decoding skills, apply phonetic strategies, use context clues, and build sight-word vocabulary. They also develop comprehension skills, including predicting outcomes, making inferences, visualizing, and studying character traits.

   

• Writing

  First graders write in a variety of genres, including journalism, personal essay, non-fiction, poetry, correspondence, and creative writing. They develop revision and editing skills, with a focus on ending punctuation, capitalization, sight words, word choice, and use of complete sentences.  First grade writing is a journey towards the effective expression of ideas.

• Mathematics

  In class, first graders build an understanding of the number system through 100 and are introduced to place value. They practice addition and subtraction and counting by 2, 5, and 10. They also investigate geometry, measurements and patterns and create charts and graphs. Throughout the year, they develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategizing skills, which allow them to explain their mathematical thinking.

• Social Studies

  Diversity and community are focuses of first grade social studies, with students studying family composition and exploring the meanings of “neighborhood” and “community.” They also explore access and ability regarding physical and cognitive differences in the Understanding Differences Curriculum. In the spring, the social studies curriculum culminates with an in-depth study of the Cathedral. The first grade writes a guidebook featuring 25 landmarks in the Cathedral and around the campus. Then, using the docent guidebook, each child leads a docent tour for their family.

• Science

  The students spend the year focusing on the concept of cause and effect. They begin discussing the basic scientific method through conducting small experiments where they carefully predict, observe, and analyze results. During the soil/worm study, students conduct experiments to better understand worm behavior. They use specimen collection jars and artificial lighting to figure out if worms prefer the light or dark. Connected to the theme of cause and effect, the students also discuss ecology, with focus on water pollution and access to clean water. The students build water filtration devices to see if they can filter contaminants out of polluted water.

• World Languages

  Spanish language instruction is a key component of the first grade year. The students are introduced to vocabulary and common phrases such as greetings, expressions of courtesy, numbers, family members, colors, personal interests and hobbies, and the months of the year. Spanish speaking, listening, and writing skills are cultivated through songs, games, conversations, and hands-on activities. Finally, first graders explore cultural traditions and celebrations of Spanish-speaking countries.