Linda Bergan 1st Grade P: 952-474-5181 x35 E: linda.bergan@oslcs.org Read Full Profile »

First grade is a major step in your child’s life. Learning to read is a most important part of each day. This is also the year when children expand their knowledge of Jesus as their friend and Savior. In first grade we are building a strong language, arts and math skills foundation for future learning.

Religion

Through the daily study of God’s Word, children will learn knowledge of the Bible, express a joy in worship, witness to others about God, and see God’s love, care, and plan of salvation. They will develop a devotional and prayer life and be able to react with repentance, thanksgiving, praise and love in daily situations.

Memory Work will enable the students to remember Bible verses, songs, prayers, the Commandments, and the Apostles’ Creed so God’s Word is carried in their heart. The Religion and Memory Work curriculum used is published by Concordia Publishing House.

Language Arts

The Language Arts curriculum includes the following subjects: Reading, Phonics, Spelling, English and Handwriting.

Reading
Children will learn to find joy in reading independently. In this curriculum area they will be helped to learn the sounds which make up the English language and decode words with each sound. They will recognize characters, problems and solutions in stories. Making predictions and summarizing the stories are introduced. Students will learn to understand various types of literature, express feelings and opinions, state facts in written form and listen to and follow directions.

English
Composing and writing sentences, paragraphs, stories, and poems will be an ongoing process and included in making books.

Spelling
Their lessons will help them spell words with long and short vowel sounds, blends, digraphs and plurals. A beginner dictionary will help with the spelling.

Handwriting
Practicing the correct formation of the lower and upper case manuscript D’Nealian letters will be used in all daily work.

Music

First grade music develops the elements introduced to the children in Kindergarten - rhythm, melody, and timbre. Music class also introduces the element of tone color and form. Through the use of songs, poetry, stories, movement, Orff instruments, and primary hand bells the children further develop their skills in making music. They enjoy dancing and singing and having fun together.

Math

Children will explore numbers and see the ways numbers are used in their world. Skills to be learned include: addition and subtraction facts through eighteen, place value to 100, counting forwards, backwards, and skip counting. Addition and subtraction without re-grouping through 100 will be practiced. Additional skills of study include: telling time to the hour and half hour, counting money, fractions, geometry with solids, and symmetry.

Science

Children will learn to appreciate the many blessings of God in our world. They will study the similarities and differences of plants and animals. Weather, seasonal changes, properties of soil, rocks and water will be studied. They will learn to use different kinds of magnets. The basic food groups will be learned and used in making good choices in snacks and meals.

Art

Children will be given the opportunity to use their abilities in original and expressive forms. They will use lines, colors, shapes and textures in their work. Students will acquire basic skills in using crayons, markers, chalk, water color paints, tempera paints and clay. They will explore patterning. Art projects will be created to coordinate with the holidays during the year. Varied artists will be studied, including religious ones.

Social Studies

Children will recognize they live in special groups and see the uniqueness of each. They will begin to understand and appreciate our country and its history, the geography of our world, traditions, family structures, multiculturalism and ways to become responsible citizens. Students will learn to appreciate our country’s past and present leaders. Learning to read and use various maps, graphs, diagrams, and charts will be included.

Technology

Children will gain confidence using the computer and learn how it can be useful in their lessons. They will learn and use correct computer terminology. Students will understand the procedure for logging on and off the computer. Identifying and locating keys on the keyboard will be a large part of their program.

Physical Education

Children will develop their physical abilities and learn about the importance of remaining active throughout life. Students will develop movement skills, co-ordination skills, understand and follow rules for games, and develop safety habits. Cooperation and showing good sportsmanship with others will be emphasized.