First Grade

Reading, writing, and basic mathematics guide and focus the first grade program. Under the guidance of a teacher and teaching intern, first graders undertake a comprehensive education program that expands their understanding of being in a school and learning environment. Each day begins with Morning Meeting, where students practice the skills of greeting, listening, responding, and group problem solving. A featured learning format occurs in timed centers. The students are divided into four groups, and each center lasts about twenty minutes. Timed centers employ a combination of required assignments and other activities such as art, computers, cooking, and independent reading. This is an excellent opportunity for parent volunteers to participate in classroom activities and also share their own skills, traditions, and experiences.

All first graders continue with basic Spanish language development, and participate in service learning, cross-grade activities, and St. Paul’s Buddy Program. Continuing from kindergarten, first graders practice positive conflict resolution using a tool called a “Peace Path,” where they work together without teacher intervention to resolve the problem and move along. The students also learn with St. Paul’s specialists in performing arts, computers, physical education, and swimming. First graders perform at concerts and events in the K-2 Choir. Like all other grades, first graders lead Chapel twice each year. First graders receive written evaluations of their progress quarterly.

Following is a brief list of content items in the first grade curriculum:

• Word Wall: sight words, spelling patterns, and word families

• Print letter formation: upper and lower case letters

• Multicultural studies: language, celebrations, literature, holidays, and food

• Identify odd and even numbers

• Buddy projects with 7th grader: the five senses and terrariums

• Magnetism

• Follow directions given in Spanish

• Applying computer navigational skills to interpret unfamiliar interfaces

• Creating art alone and in collaboration

• Developing choral ensemble skills

• Build confidence: communicate, take risks, improvise, and express ideas through a variety of performance forms

• Engage in sustained physical activity to increase heart and breathing rates

• Swimming exploration and confidence