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Curriculum
The primary focus of first grade is building a strong foundation in language arts and math for future learning. Hands-on activities are utilized whenever possible. The goal is to increase each child’s academic skills to their highest level using differentiated instruction. Doing this allows the student to work at their own ability level and to be appropriately challenged. The first grade educational program also fosters the development of each student’s personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Religion
At Trinity Academy, we incorporate the Christian life-style into all areas of the curriculum. To help students further their understanding about our Father as well as how we should live our lives, students participate in a Religion curriculum developed by Concordia Publishing House (CHP). Daily lessons are designed to articulate the path Christianity has taken since the opening of time. Beginning with Creation, the series highlights key events from the Old Testament. Students dive into the Word studying historical pinnacles and events that help to build the foundations for our traditions today. Students also learn more about our Savior, Jesus Christ, including his life, legacy, and love for us. First Graders lead in worship, sing and participate in daily devotions and prayer. Memory curriculum is included thereby aiding students in growing in their knowledge of the Word.
Language Arts
Reading
First grade is an important stepping stone in the development of students’ reading skills. The students will learn to read basic sight vocabulary words, apply word attack skills, effectively use comprehension skills, use correct punctuation and sentence structure, and know the monthly word list, and create an enjoyment for reading. During whole group instruction (Shared Reading) students continue to develop new reading strategies and skills. Guided Reading (Flexible Grouping) is a small group of students working toward a common goal. Groups fluctuate during the year depending on each individual’s learning. Students practice decoding, fluency, and reading with expression. They also develop skills in comprehension, classification, and summarization. Literacy work stations are used to develop fluency, gain math skills, build comprehension, express ideas, organize thoughts, and build confidence. We use McGraw Hill Reading Series.
Writing
As students progress in their knowledge of letters, sounds, and word families, their writing proficiencies also increase. Students are able to practice and apply their knowledge in written form during various writing activities throughout the year. From books to letters to journaling, students expand their talents in writing. Specific emphasis is placed upon developing complete sentences using appropriate punctuation, and identifying simple parts of speech.
Spelling
The first grade Spelling curriculum is based upon the same principles as that of reading and incorporating some daily sight words. The focus is on word analysis. The words are adopted from Rebecca Sitton, Dolch, and Fry lists.
Handwriting
When students know how to make letters without guesswork, their written communication skills increase. Therefore, Trinity Academy encourages the development of penmanship. The D’Nealian style of handwriting, also known as Modern Manuscript, is taught throughout the primary grades. Focus is placed on the proper formation, slant, and spacing of letters and words while properly holding a writing utensil.
Science
In Science we use a variety of resources to instruct: hands-on activities with Foss Kits and a Christian-perspective text book. The first graders are intrigued by many topics dealing with Science. The hands-on activities help students gain a better understanding of the topics at hand. When possible trade book materials are incorporated. Some of the units included for the first grade science curriculum include: matter, simple machines, sound, air and weather, senses, teeth, and the sun, moon, stars, and planets.
Math
Students’ mathematical skills are being learned and refined through the McMillian McGraw Hill curriculum in first grade. Our first grade math is diverse with the intention of helping students to solidify their foundational computation skills. The focus is on numerical relationships, adding and subtracting up to two-digit numbers, graphing and recording data and making charts, understanding place value to 100, patterning, learning time to the five minutes, identify, name, count, and exchange numerical value of coins up to quarters. Students are being challenged through higher level thinking skills and activities
Social Studies
In social studies, first graders study the social contexts of our lives. Beginning with the concepts of us in relationship to our homes, communities, state, country, and world. Students progress into studying various family make-ups, handling situations with others, and learning key events in our nation’s history. |
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