Religion
Catholic faith with Christian values are incorporated throughout daily lessons. Children are immersed in activities that promote kindness, honesty, forgiveness, and a concern for others as well as understanding the fundamentals of our Catholic faith. Students learn basic prayer and religious routines, and develop moral decision making skills through Bible stories. Throughout the year students celebrate liturgical seasons and become more familiar with the Eucharist and parts of the mass. We strive to be a part of our local community by spending time with the Sisters of Notre Dame and participating in school and class outreach projects such as our Socktober sock drive.
Math
Manipulative and hands on activities give students concrete examples of math concepts and develop foundational math vocabulary for more complex math concepts they will encounter in future grades. Starting with sorting, geometry, patterning, positional words, number sense to 100, using and creating tables and graphs, beginning addition and subtraction, identifying and counting coins, telling time, and measurement. We utilize Bridges in Math as part of our instruction to help students gain a strong foundation in mathematics readiness skills. Students are encouraged to use peer
collaboration in problem based learning.
ELA
Reading and phonics studies begins with letters and letter
sound recognition. Rhyming words, word families, poetry, and high-frequency
words are used to develop phonemic awareness. Students engage in whole group and small group lessons that incorporate Wilson Fundations and Phonics in Motion learning activities. Students also participate in whole group and guided reading activities that cover the skills of: author/illustrator, characters, setting, plot, sequencing story events, cause and effect, and making predictions and inferences. In penmanship, students are introduced to proper formation of letters followed by writing prompts that incorporate skills learned through the 6+1 Traits of Writing lessons.
Integrated
Studies
Topics in science, social studies, and health are integrated into one subject area. We begin our year learning how we do science by using our senses, science skills, and science tools. Several science topics are studied throughout the year including animals, habitats, plants, energy, matter, motion, day and night, weather, Earth’s resources, and life cycles. In Social Studies students develop social skills, learn attributes of being a good citizen, economics, geography, and history. Health skills covered are spiritual, physical, and intellectual health. We discuss how our actions affect other people, our feelings, how our bodies grow and change, and how we can be safe and respectful in our world.