Elementary School1st Grade
The first grade program builds on the kindergarten program to ensure that students have a strong foundation in the core subjects of language arts, math, science, and social studies. The arts are integrated into all subject areas and Jesuit values are infused throughout the curriculum.
Curriculum
Language Arts
Students continue their use of the Fountas & Pinnell language arts program.
The program emphasizes word study, phonics, and spelling through the literature texts studied.
Students are taught to not only think about the text but also beyond the text.
Through the use of high-quality literature and leveled reading books, each students’ achievement can be fostered and measured to maximize their potential.
Mathematics
Using the Singapore Math curriculum, students move through a concerte, then pictorial, then abstract progression of mathematical understanding and computation skills.
Mental math, number sense, and problem-solving strategies are the focus.
Instead of pushing through rote memorization, students learn to think mathematically and rely on the depth of knowledge gained in previous lessons.
Singapore Math not only helps students become more successful problem solvers, it helps them gain a sense of confidence and resourcefulness because it insists on conceptual depth.
This naturally prepares students to excel in more advanced math.
Science
Social Studies
In social studies, units of high interest in civics, with an emphasis on activism, geography, and economics are the focus of the year. Children work collaboratively on special projects and explore the city of Baltimore by going on field trips.
Additional Studies
Special area teachers in Music, Spanish, Religion, and Library round out the first grade program.
Sample Class Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:20-8:45 | Drop off and breakfast |
| 8:45-9:00 | Morning Meeting |
| 9:00-10:30 | Literacy |
| 10:30-12:00 | Math |
| 12:00-12:30 | Lunch |
| 12:30-1:00 | Quiet Work |
| 1:00-1:45 | Specials |
| 1:45-2:00 | Read Aloud |
| 2:00-2:30 | Recess |
| 2:30-3:00 | Centers |
| 3:00-3:30 | Snack/Dismissal |
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