St. Clare School’s philosophy and mission statement are incorporated into the first grade classroom. First grade offers a safe and nurturing environment where students build confidence, develop a love of learning, and flourish academically. First grade focuses on building a strong foundation of literacy skills and in promoting Gospel values through Catholic education.
First grade language arts includes foundational skills, comprehension skills and strategies, spelling, phonics, fluency, writing, grammar, and vocabulary strategies.
First grade students practice reading and comprehending complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently. Students also practice different forms of reading, including reading to themselves, reading to others, and listening to others reading. First grade participates in leveled reading groups three times a week.
First grade focuses on four critical areas in math:
First grade science focuses on the following units:
First grade social studies covers communities, American symbols, national celebrations, holidays, calendars, timelines, maps, leadership, rules, and income.
First grade students review and practice the correct formation of lowercase letters, uppercase letters, and numbers.
In first grade, students learn how to lead weekly school mass, doing so several times during the school year.
We also cover these three essential concepts:
St. Clare students promote social justice and seek opportunities to serve others. Each month, first graders collect food for those in need, count the food, and carry it over to the parish food bank.
First grade students have sixth grade buddies. They attend weekly mass and do a variety of activities together throughout the school year.
Typically, there are four field trips planned for First Grade students: apple picking, the Children’s Theater, a visit to a local farm, and a trip to an orthodontist’s office.