2012-2013 First Grade Curriculum Description

General Information
Our first grade curriculum provides a comprehensive framework for teaching all areas of a childs development; spiritual, physical, emotional and cognitive. The key to our effectiveness is a faculty that models a biblically integrated living curriculum to our students. A variety of individual, small group, and large group activities are incorporated into the daily program. Our classroom environment provides opportunity for children to learn through active exploration and interaction with adults, other children and materials. First graders are taught the beginning steps of becoming great authors! . They learn how to write sentences, check and edit their own writing and share their work with others. Sentence structure, capitalization, punctuation along with sentence parts (nouns, verbs and adjectives) are taught along with the writing process. Spelling and Handwriting Without Tears are incorporated into the total language arts curriculum.

Handwriting

Bible

Biblical integration across all subjects is foundational at Ben Lippen. Students are taught to apply Gods truth in every area of study. Christian Schools Internationals Walking With God and His People is our Bible textbook. This chronological study beginning with creation and ending with the early church emphasizes Gods redemption plan. Our students enjoy memorizing scripture weekly as they learn to hide Gods Word in their hearts. We spend time in prayer daily, learning to communicate with our loving God who delights when we us when we present our needs and praises to Him. Weekly character trait study, chapel and music are an integral of our Bible curriculum.

Pre-kindergarten through 1st grade utilizes the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum. This developmental approach provides one of the foundational skills of language development. Our goal is to help students learn proper handwriting habits (i.e. posture, paper and pencil skills) that will transfer to all of their writing experiences.

Mathematics

Addison Wesley utilizes a hands-on/manipulative approach to mathematical concepts. Math fact memorization is introduced with an emphasis placed on understanding the concepts. Mathematical topics that are included are addition and subtraction sums through 10, place value, patterning, money, time, measurements and fractions. Students are encouraged to apply mathematical application to real world situations.

Social Studies

Language Arts

Reading/Phonics

First grade is foundational in the lives of young readers. Our reading curriculum, Open Court, utilizes a phonetic approach, with an emphasis on decoding words. Students progress from decoding simple words, to blending multi-syllable words, from reading sentences to reading passages. First grade students have many opportunities to listen to quality literature read aloud while learning to read books at their reading level. Through Readers Workshop they are taught to use thinking skills while listening and reading in order to improve their comprehension abilities. Reading comprehension strategies are taught by modeling thinking with the use of picture books and other literature. Students will deepen their understanding of text by making connections, visualizing, asking questions, making inferences, determining importance, synthesizing, and repairing comprehension when necessary. Throughout the year, we enjoy learning about a variety of literary genres. Accelerated Reader is used to encourage reading for pleasure as well as developing comprehension.

Our new Social Studies curriculum, Scott Foresman All Together, focuses on concepts of school, family, work, neighborhoods, communities and the history surrounding special holiday celebrations. Map skills and introductory geography are taught and reinforced throughout our units. Two highlights of our Social Studies curriculum are our transportation projects and hands-on field trips to Palmetto Richland Hospital and EdVenture Museum. Our students learn about numerous historical heroes of our great nation as well as our responsibilities as Christians and citizens.

Science

Scott Foresman curriculum provides hands-on opportunities that encourage students to become actively involved in scientific discovery. Children are naturally curious. Therefore, it is essential that their inquisitiveness and creativity be encouraged by helping them to become excited about science at an early age. Through instruction and hands-on activities the students will learn about living and non-living things. First grade polar projects are used to introduce the students to the research process. Science is taught based on biblical truths that promote an understanding of God as the Source and Creator of all things.