First Grade Specials

ART | WEEKLY1st grade students develop creative, critical and problem-solving skills by creating artworks to express individual ideas and experiences, as well as common subjects and themes. The curriculum introduces and reviews the elements of art and encourages students to identify them in works of art and in God's creation. Students develop an understanding of color mixing and color families (including primary, secondary, warm, and cool). Building upon skills from kindergarten, students apply various media, techniques and processes of two- and three-dimensional works of art, including drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics and sculpture. Students continue to learn to use an artist's tools in a safe and appropriate manner.
MUSIC | WEEKLYBy the end of first grade, students are able to identify the difference between steady beat and rhythm. They are also able to play and speak rhythms with quarter notes, eighth notes, and quarter rests. The students are able to demonstrate an understanding that each of these notes is equal to one steady beat. They work to develop an understanding of a simple melody representation (i.e. following dots moving high and low). Students work on identifying basic classroom instruments by name, while continuing to develop singing and performance skills through Grandparents Day, Christmas Program, and the Spring Program. Students learn that music is a gift that they can use to worship God.
P.E. | WEEKLYPhysical Education in first grade emphasizes continued motor and movement skill development, and the development of an appreciation for participation in physical activity while fostering habits of lifetime wellness and inclusive social skills. Through
individual, dual and group participation in physical activities, students increase their understanding of the interrelationship of physical, spiritual, emotional and social well-being. Students also work to set and achieve goals in personal, cooperative and competitive activities. Students are guided to be leaders in encouraging positive attitudes and promoting peaceful conflict resolution.
SPANISH | WEEKLYStudents participate actively in classroom experiences through purposeful games and songs that impart Spanish language and culture. Units build upon existing knowledge, and students demonstrate comprehension through physical response to spoken directions in Spanish, as well as memorizing simple Bible verses and songs.
TECHNOLOGY + STEAM | WEEKLYStudents expand upon digital citizenship, foundational coding, basic keyboarding, vocabulary, 3D design, robotics, and web searches. They engage in computer exercises that strengthen cognitive reasoning skills while exploring graphic arts, word processing, spreadsheets and slideshows in Google Workspace for Education. STEAM projects and collaborations are regularly integrated into Technology class. We celebrate each student's unique personality and gifts through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math that stretch them artistically, academically, and cognitively.
READING ROOM | WEEKLYStudents experience an interactive read-aloud of a children’s book that supports chapel themes, seasonal topics, or learning objectives. They also have the opportunity to select and check out a book to take home with them for the week.