1st Grade

Trinity Lutheran School

Offering Quality Christian Education Since 1893

Course Description

GRADE ONE

BIBLE STUDY: Textbook: Voyages, Exploring God’s World

Nine units in the God’s World Bible Times are presented throughout the year in chronological order starting with the beginning of creation and ending with God’s eternal promises. These lessons survey God’s story of love and salvation for His people as found in the Old and New Testaments and continuing on to touch our lives today. Flannel graph materials and puppets (Jake and Jenna) are also incorporated in story presentation. Two stories are introduced weekly with time spent on reinforcing and expanding concepts pertaining to the material. Memory verses are assigned on a weekly basis and recited on Friday.

LANGUAGE: Textbook: Language 1 A Beka Book

The language program provides an introduction to the written language for first grade students, integrating grammar, creative writing, and reading comprehension. This book teaches suffixes and prefixes, rhyming, compound words, contractions, and alphabetizing.

READING: Textbook: Open Court, Scott Foresman, SRA

During the first week, student development is evaluated and reading groups with appropriate books are established. Students are tested on letter and sound recognition as well as sight word knowledge. This approach to reading reduces frustration and equips students with a greater sense of confidence. A reading aide and parent volunteers assist with the student’s progression of reading. Reading assignments are given Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday on the back of their individual bookmark. After reading the assigned story, the bookmark must then be returned with an adult signature. This simple task instills a sense of responsibility in the student. Daily parent participation in the home is strongly encouraged.

SPELLING: Textbook: Scott Foresman D’Nealian Handwriting

The spelling workbook teaches concepts needed for learning to spell. Tests start in October; eight words are sent home with a weekly newsletter. Tests are given on Wednesdays and Fridays over the assigned words. Each spelling unit focuses on a phonics concept.

Unit l: readiness (no tests)

Unit 2: short vowels and number words

Unit 3: long vowels and color words

Unit 4: adding –s, words to know and animal words

Unit 5: digraphs and family words

Unit 6: blends, word endings and place words

A basic sentence is given weekly using past spelling words, focusing on capitalization, punctuation, and spelling review.

PHONICS: Textbook: Modern Curriculum Press

Phonics is a vital part of first grade reading development. The Phonics curriculum involves workbooks and worksheets reinforcing concepts learned throughout the year. This workbook is broken into five units teaching the basic building blocks necessary in reading comprehension.

Unit l: assess children’s ability to identify and write consonants that represent beginning and ending sounds

Unit 2: assess children’s ability to read and write words with short vowel sounds

Unit 3: assess children’s ability to read and write words with long vowel sounds

Unit 4: assess children’s ability to identify and write words with long vowel sounds, focusing on consonant blends and y as a vowel

Unit 5: assess children’s ability to identify and write words with long vowel sounds, focusing on word ending, digraphs, and contractions

MATH: Textbook: Addison-Wesley Mathematics

The math series used in first grade teaches addition, subtraction, measurement, basic geometry, place value, money, and time. These concepts are taught using manipulative, practice sheets and lessons from the book. Addition and subtraction facts are reinforced using Mad Minutes tests given weekly. Reinforcement with flash cards at home is also encouraged.

HANDWRITING: Textbook: Scott Foresman D’Nealian Handwriting Book

Students learn position, letter size, form, slant, and spacing. Starting with lower case letters, this series progresses next to numbers and finally capital letters. The D’Nealilan method is a handwriting program that reduces teaching time in half with its easy transition from manuscript to cursive.

COMPUTERS:

Students enjoy educational games on the computer while learning mouse and keyboard skills.

SOCIAL STUDIES: Textbook: My America Geography and History by A Beka

The A Beka book helps students understand patriotism by teaching them concepts about the flag, our freedoms, symbols of America, and finally introducing them to some of the great leaders of America. This series does an excellent job in keeping the main focus on our Lord, Jesus Christ.

SCIENCE: Textbook: A Beka Book “Discovering God’s World” Grade One

Discovering God’s World is a class reader designed to stimulate the students’ interest in science through a study of the wonders of creation. Chapter one teaches about the body and senses. Chapter two explores areas of physical science such as: wind, air, wheels, ramps, levers, and magnets. The next three chapters cover animals, insects, and plants in that order. Finally, Chapter six concludes with a look at the seasons.

ART: First grade students explore the color wheel, mixing primary colors with different mediums for various end results. Examples include: black finger paint with color paper, face flowers, special pumpkins, hand turkeys, and Christmas ornaments for church tree.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION:

Physical Education is held twice a week, either outside or in the gym. A variety of games are played to foster team building, gross motor skills, leadership, and to teach students the importance of physical activity in our lives. Students will warm up before each class by running laps and stretching before activities. Each student will have the opportunity to lead the class through their warm-up and stretching routine, which builds leadership skills. Students will be taught the importance of exercising to keep their bodies physically fit and healthy.

EXTRAS (PROJECTS):

First grade students undertake many projects throughout the school year. Included in these are:

1. Participating in a Christmas program and spring musical

2. Putting on a Wednesday chapel service for the school and parents

3. Making Graham cracker houses at Christmas

4. Reading and watching Charlie and the Chocolate Factory followed with a chocolate

celebration

5. Dressing up as a favorite Dr. Seuss character in celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday

6. Participating in Lutheran Schools Week: roller skating, spirit week, and mini courses

7. Participating in Fun Olympics

8. Making a Leprechaun trap for St. Patrick’s Day (family project)

9. Making a Solar System from recycled material (family project)