First Grade

 

Language Arts

Language Arts provides the grammar as children build a proper foundation for mastering language.  Since there is no other study that does not use language in some way, it is imperative that we construct a firm foundation here.  Therefore, reading is acquired by a systematic use of phonics; handwriting is reinforced by frequent copy work; grammatical components are named, studied, and practiced; spelling is learned by pattern and rule; and even the meaning of words is made systematically knowable by memorized Latin and Greek roots. 

  • The Aesop for Children’s Stories and D’Nealian copybook by Charlotte Mason

  • Natural Speller by Kathryn Stout

  • The Writing Road to Reading by Romalda Spalding with Walter Spalding

  • Pentime 1 by Pentime Publishers

  • Phonetic Awareness by Michael Heggerty

  • Language Arts and Literature, Level I by The Good and the Beautiful

  • English from the Roots Up

Literature

Students alternate between independent reading, which fosters personal reading skill, and teacher read aloud sessions, where Socratic discussion is introduced.  Stories serve to build a robust moral imagination in our students.  From the thrift and economy of the Ingalls family (Little House) to the friendship of Rat and Mole (Wind in the Willows), literature both delights and instructs.

In First Grade, literature is divided into three separate classes: Group Reading, giving students a chance to practice their reading skills while delving into a particular worthy book; Independent Reading, where students choose a book to read silently and on their own; and Read Aloud, with the teacher reading to the entire class.

  • Aesop’s Fables

  • The Harp and Laurel Wreath by Laura Bequist (Poetry)

  • Treasury for Children by James Herriot

  • Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan

  • The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter

  • A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson (Poetry)

  • Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White

History

This course uses children’s classic literature to study countries across the globe, and includes nature study, folk tales, fables, music, art, poetry, cuisine and history using gentle Socratic questions. There is a special focus on Ancient Egyptian history during the First Grade year.

  • Around the World with Picture Books, Parts I and II by Rea Berg

Catechesis

Students participate in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at an off-site Atrium, where they enter the Level II Atrium. Elementary age catechesis centers around the image of Christ as the True Vine.  Children are taught about their life in Christ and his Church as they discover the parts of the Mass in the Liturgy of the Word and the Eucharist.

In the classroom, students create an illustrated journal focusing on the lives of the Saints.

Science & Nature Study

Drawing from the world of science all around us, teachers lead students in a guided study of nature.  In First Grade, children take weekly nature hikes and keep detailed journals, with specimens drawn and labelled. Particular focus is given to cross-disciplinary topics, based on literature being read at that time.

 

Math

Our study of mathematics aims to give students mastery of concepts and skills. Rather than using a spiral system, we focus on single topics in-depth in order to truly understand them before rushing on.  We gladly use repetition and practice in order to aid understanding, but not as an end in itself.  As in all studies, the grammar of mathematics – addition and subtraction, multiplication tables, number sense – must be firmly established before more complex topics are broached. 

We use the Base 10 Math Mammoth curriculum, as it best aligns with our goals. In First Grade, students develop this grammar of mathematics by practicing skills such as counting, addition, subtraction, and measuring; and by gaining a solid understanding of place value number sense. 

Fine Arts

Art: Great artists are explored individually, as students are given time to absorb the styles of the master they are studying. Students also practice drawing and sketching, both illustrating the stories they have studied and reproducing the great artists they have encountered.

Music: All students participate in the music program, as they learn musical notation and scales, and practice their voices on classical, folk and liturgical songs.