St. Francis Xavier School

Language Arts and Writing

First graders use leveled reading books, in the Reading A-Z program, and Fundations to:

• Build reading habits

• Strengthen decoding skills and reading fluency

• Develop comprehension skills

• Read nonfiction

• Produce small moments writing pieces

• Cultivate writing mechanics

• Read and write poetry

• Use Writer's Workshop

 

Social Studies

Students continue to learn about communities and citizenship before diving into studies on the Earth and its resources. The year begins with learning about a country and preparing for International Night.

 

Science

In addition to building on information learned in previous grades such as the human body and animals, first graders also begin to explore concepts such as matter and motion.

 

Religion

Building on concepts learned in Kindergarten, 1st graders begin to grow their understanding of the life and work of Jesus as well as the Sacraments. The Circle of Grace curriculum is taught to provide a holistic approach to the safety, well-being, and spiritual formation of children and youth. First graders attend weekly Mass with the help of their 6th grade Church Buddies.

 

Math

First graders continue their work in the Sadlier Progress in Mathematics series and participate in whole group lessons as well as small groups following the Math Menu structure. In 1st grade students will:

• Meaningfully recall addition and subtraction facts through 12

• Demonstrate understanding of the place value system

• Demonstrate understanding of the meaning of addition and subtraction operations and the relationship between them

• Use symbols to represent numbers in mathematical situations

• Create, extend, and describe repeating patterns

• Identify sphere, cube, cone, cylinder, rectangular and triangular prism, and pyramid

• Measure an object using standard and non-standard units in a variety of attributes such as weight, volume, length, width, or height

• Demonstrate understanding of and tell time to the nearest half-hour using an analog clock

• Represent data using bar graphs, models, or pictures

• Develop problem solving skills