CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
California Common Core and Los Angeles Archdiocesan standards/ benchmarks are implemented.
Religion 1st Grade:
First grade Religion curriculum focuses on God is our Creator and loves us as our Father. Jesus come to tell us about God the Father and saves us through his life, death, and resurrection. The Holy Spirit shares the life of the risen Jesus Christ and forms the community of the Church. We know Jesus through personal prayer and by worshiping God together, especially in the celebration of the Eucharist. We can thank Jesus for the gift of himself and the Holy Spirit by obeying the Commandments, caring for one another, and caring for the world.
Reading - 1st Grade:
The standardized Reading program centers on building skills and laying a foundation for reading. The first grade curriculum establishes a springboard to deep comprehension; furthermore develop the students as collaborators and communicators while nurturing a love of reading. The framework utilizes vocabulary every day through academic and selection vocabulary, as well as high-frequency words towards connecting reading and writing to power understanding. Consequently, integration of science and social studies knowledge is included.
Phonics - 1st Grade
Based on current research and best practices that stresses the importance of phonics and effective teaching methods, the Phonics curriculum presents the letters and sounds of the alphabet in a systematic sequence of instruction that fosters strong phonemic awareness, phonics, and early literacy skills. It focuses on explicit and systematic instruction in consonants, short and long vowels, diphthongs, digraphs, compound words, prefixes, suffixes, and high-frequency words. The overall effect is to create successful readers that give our next generation of learners the solid foundation they need to become lifelong readers.
Mathematics 1st Grade:
The First Grade standard based Mathematics Curriculum teaches all of the standards for Mathematical content within a powerful concept-development skeleton grounded on big ideas of mathematics and related essential understandings. Communication through daily teachings and problem-based interactive learning is a core part of instruction, making interactive learning with visual learning. Students are guided through each lesson with various learning strategies such as visual, kinesthetic, and auditory allowing for deep comprehension which utilizes application of content.
English– 1st Grade:
Students' growth in oral and written language is of paramount importance. Communication through fluency, creativity, and elaboration along with critical thinking is the basis of the English curriculum. The major areas of grammar are correct usage, mechanics, spelling, and dictionary skills. In conjunction with grammar, the writing process and genres: personal narratives, friendly letters, how-to-writing, descriptions, book reports, and research reports are incorporated. The students at this level are becoming acquainted with the tools of language.
Science - 1st Grade:
Through the standard based Science program, students are guided through powerful integration of reading, vocabulary, writing, and math. They are also led through inquiry based strategies to gain knowledge of concepts taught. Physical Science, Life Science, Earth Science, and investigation and experimentation are the strands given using the California Science Standards.
Social Studies - 1st Grade:
The First grade Social Studies program utilizes the premise that the students need to see that they are the future defenders of America's freedoms. It is done by presenting the story of our nation, families and cultures, and of our world. The Social Studies curriculum also is designed to extend the reading curriculum through use of words, pictures and various activities.
Spelling/Vocabulary - 1st Grade:
The course of study in spelling is to develop language expression in the written and oral form. Students will learn a wide range of words that are based on patterns and strategies. This will allow the student to retain more of their learning using practical study tools, exercises, and activities. Furthermore, transfer more spelling knowledge for success in reading, writing, and test-taking.
Handwriting/Journaling - 1st Grade:
The First grade Handwriting/Journaling course of study are as followed:
- Basic manuscript strokes: vertical lines, horizontal lines, backward and forward circle lines, slant lines
- Manuscript uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numerals
- Keys to Legibility
- Application of handwriting concepts words and sentences in journal format
Grading Policy:
* Tests - 25%·
* Mid-Term – 15%·
* Quizzes – 20%·
* Classwork – 30%·
* Homework – 5%·
* Projects – 15%·
* Participation – 5%
Assignments:
Short and long term assignments will be given throughout the year. Due dates will accompany the assignments. Students are required to turn them in when due, otherwise points will be deducted. Please see Curriculum Guidelines for further information
Late Work Policy:
Late assignments are discouraged. However, realizing that emergencies occur, any work that has been turned in after the due date will be deducted 5 points each day late. Late work will not be accepted more than 3 days late unless approved in a parent-teacher conference. Students are responsible to complete late work during their own time.
Extra Credit:
Throughout the year, students will be given several opportunities to earn extra credit. Extra credit work will not be given to replace missing assignments. In order to receive credit, students must receive permission or assignment from the teacher.
Classroom Expectations:
Students are expected to conduct themselves respectfully while in the classroom and adhere to the following:
1. Enter & exit the classroom without talking.
2. Follow directions the first time they are given to you.
3. Bring all your books and materials to class.
4. Keep your hands, feet, and negative comments to yourself.
5. Refrain from eating, drinking, and chewing gum in class.
Behavior Consequences:
Consequences vary depending on the violation of the rule/code. Behavioral misconduct will not be tolerated in the classroom and will be dealt with disciplinary actions. The following suggested steps will be taken knowing that the degree of the behavioral misconduct may change the order. See Behavioral Cards for direct order of steps and policies.
1. Verbal/non-verbal warning given with possibility of privileges taken away
2. Detention and/or written notification to parents or guardians
3. Principal referral (Pink-Slip)
4. Suspension
5. Severe disciplinary actions involved