First Grade

Our Lady of Lourdes students grow exponentially in the first grade. By the end of the school year, they will become independent readers and writers.

Religion

Students are taught the precepts of Catholicism.  The belief in God, His Son and the Holy Spirit is taught.  Students are instructed in the elements of the Mass as well as the liturgical calendar to include Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter. Students attend Mass weekly on Wednesday mornings at 8:15, on Holy Days of Obligation and special Feast days.

Language Arts

This area encompasses reading, phonics, spelling, handwriting and composition.  Students learn to use decoding and comprehension skills, read fiction and non-fiction literature, listen to and speak to an audience.  Practice and extension activities are provided to promote independent readers.

Mathematics

Students are provided with opportunities to develop number sense, explore formal addition and subtraction strategies, place value, geometry, time, money, collection and organization of data, use graphic organizers, measurement and problem solving skills.  Both process and product are emphasized.

Science

Students learn science concepts through a balance of solid content knowledge and hands-on activities.  The scientific method and safety guidelines are implemented as students explore and discover areas of physical, life, earth and environmental sciences.

Social Studies

Students explore their world and how they can contribute as individuals.  They read about, discuss and participate in activities that incorporate citizenship, culture, economics, geography, government, history, science and technology.

Students have morning and lunch recesses.  Students in the first grade have approximately 20 minutes of homework every day.  In addition, daily practice of math facts and reading is essential for reinforcement.

Supplemental Curriculum

First grade students receive instruction in Spanish, Art, Music, and Physical Education.  They also visit the media center as well as the computer lab.

Art

Students will learn continue to learn drawing skills and the elements of art; color, line, shape and textures.  They will also begin to learn about our art history, i.e. Cave Art.

Music

Students explore elements of music such as rhythm response, rhythm patterns and notations, melodic direction, song selection and playing instruments.

Media

Students spend time in the Media Center through conducting basic concepts of titles, authors, and subjects.  Students can check out books appropriate to their age level.

Physical Education

Students learn basic elements of physical fitness such as running, jumping, stretching and gross motor skills through eye hand coordination.

Spanish

Students will show comprehension by following commands, using expressions for greeting and farewell, and identifying classroom objects. Students will respond spontaneously to questions, and count numbers from 1 – 10 in Spanish.

Technology

The purpose of the technology laboratory is to integrate the use of technology with the curriculum.  In that light, students spend their “lab time” with the assistance of the Technology Coordinator and their classroom teacher.  Basic elements of word processing and simple publishing are explored.