RELIGION: Jesus is my friend begins and overview of our Catholic faith as we follow the Church calendar.  As we learn of the goodness of God, who created and saved us, and the love of Jesus we respond to God in friendship and prayer.

ART: Art is coordinated with Literature in Grade One.  The elements of line, shape and color are used.  The principles of art, especially variety, pattern and repetition are seen in creative works related to each piece of literature.

COMPUTER: Primary grades (first – third) learn basic computer vocabulary and basic computer usage skills – with an emphasis on keyboarding skills and word processing.  They use software to enhance and reinforce the classroom curriculum.  The level of computer skills and software are determined by the grade level and computer knowledge of the students.  At all grade levels, time in the lab is used to reinforce skills of the basic curriculum.  Computers are also available in the classroom for students to use.

READING: First Grade reading begins where the students are in letter recognition and sounds.  We begin reading stories right away and continue to expand vocabulary and comprehension.  We practice reading, writing, listening, speaking and phonetic skills.  We work on language and writing skills by using nouns, verbs, capitalization and punctuation in sentences.  First Graders examine the key characteristics of each genre and read examples of Poetry, Plays and Folktales.

HANDWRITING: In First Grade we use the D’Nealian Handwriting continuous stroke method of printing.  We practice capital and lowercase letters, numbers, printing punctuation, size and spacing of letters and printing words on lines.

MATH: First Grade mathematics is multi sensory approach to the language and basic concepts.  We work on number recognition, order and place value.  We practice counting, addition, subtraction, telling time to the hour and half hour, counting money, measurement in inches and centimeters, geometry, and problem solving.  We read and make graphs and charts.

MUSIC: A music specialist meets with the First Grade twice per week for one half hour.  Students learn the Kodaly method of sight singing and rhythm and Orff instruments.  Basic music theory is introduced and children are taught proper vocal technique through signing and vocal games.  First grade is introduced to the great composers and their greatest works through a song program of the classics.  They perform in the Christmas and Spring music programs.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION: We have a Physical Education Specialist who works with all students.  The program is designed to spiral so that a student may progress through different skills, from emerging to proficient levels in an activity unit.  Program emphasis is on basic locomotor, non-locomotor, and manipulative skills.  Simple games are the tools used to practice such skills as running, jumping, throwing, and balance.

SCIENCE: First Graders study the growth of new plants, air and weather.  Students explore concepts through hands on activities.

SOCIAL STUDIES: First Graders explore families at home and at school, the necessity for rules, seasonal changes, bus and fire safety, dental health, being a neighbor, significance of celebrations, and caring for the Earth.  We talk about qualities of a leader, the importance of people to our country, and National symbols.  We learn about landforms and directions on a map and globe.