1^st Grade Curriculum Programs
 
English and Language Arts (ELA)
We use the Superkids Reading Program by Zaner-Bloser. Usually ELA programs separate the different components of the curriculum (Reading, Spelling, Grammar, Handwriting, and Writing). Superkids approach to learning is to integrate all these components together in the student’s learning. The program has two decodable readers, one for each semester with ten units each which is used for the whole class. The program also provides the classroom with small group leveled readers for students who are reading on different levels than their peers. There are ten books for each level (one book per unit). Each unit in Superkids has a main focus the student will learn and the stories that we read from the Superkids decodable and leveled readers were created to help teach the intended content for the unit. For example, each unit has certain spelling words (phonetic and memory) that the students will need to master. The words can be found in both their decodable and leveled readers. When a student encounters a word more often then they are more likely to succeed in learning the spelling and meaning of the word. This goes for all components of ELA. Students learn to write in different writing styles, but the program makes sure to connect it to the lessons and the offer many samples for the students to grasp an idea of the right way to create a story.
 
Now you may be wondering why the program is called Superkids. The program has fourteen Superkid characters who help teach us. Students are introduced to the Superkids in Kindergarten and they continue to grow with the Superkids until the complete 2^nd Grade. The Superkids teach them more than just the ELA components. The Superkids also teach them ways to help others, to be a good friend, and how to be a good person. This program is about building the whole child and it has proven to raise the standards of reading because of the way they integrate all the ELA pieces. For more information on what is Superkids please visit their website.
 
The Superkids Reading Program
www.superkidsreading.com/k-2-reading/index.php
 
Math
We currently use the program called Progress in Mathematics by Sadlier-Oxford. This Math program contains twelve chapters. Each chapter has an intended focus with check-ups every few lessons and a test that covers the content learned. Each lesson begins with building prior knowledge and new knowledge which leads us into the guided practice. Guided practice means that the class is learning the information together with the teacher. Then they work on the independent practice on their own after the class has worked together on the guided practice. Lessons also contain problem solving word problems and critical thinking problems to build a more rounded math learner. Most lessons involve the use of manipulatives which are connecting cubes, counters, ten-frames, coins, etc. Students can use these manipulatives freely during both their guided and independent practice. For more information on this math program feel free to visit the website.
 
Sadlier
www.sadlier.com/school/mathematics/math-skills-building-program
Science
The program we use in Science is called Fusion by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. This program uses a consumable textbook, meaning that students can write inside it. The program has ten units and has many built-in investigations for each unit. Each investigation focuses on the lesson they will learn in their textbook, so they are doing either hands-on or virtual learning prior to learning the material being read in the book. The program has proven that students learn better when they experience the content in a more interactive approach where they can learn in multiple different ways. The textbook is built specifically for the grade level in mind. The amount of information is broken down into small chunks with excellent, colorful pictures to help them understand the content better. For more information on this program please visit their website.
 
Science Fusion
www.hmhco.com/programs/sciencefusion
 
Social Studies
For Social Studies we use the program titled Studies Weekly. This program uses weekly newspaper to help teach the content students are required to learn. Each weekly lesson contains a word list, vocabulary word, and high ordered thinking questions that come from the content they find in their newspaper. The program also integrates different reading and writing elements that help to bring a more universal learning experience. The program also gives teachers options to include multi-level learning experiences through other subjects such as Music, Art, and Science. For more information on what Studies Weekly is all about check out their website.
 
Studies Weekly
www.studiesweekly.com/about-us/
 
Religion
Our Religion curriculum uses the program called Alive in Christ by Our Sunday Visitor. This program contains seven units with three chapters each. The textbook is a consumable, so students can write, draw, and color in their books with colorful or real-life pictures which help to create a more engaged learner. Each unit has a theme and each chapter focuses on a main topic that is directly tied to the theme of the unit. For example, Unit 3’s theme is focused on Jesus Christ. Each chapter teaches us that Jesus Christ is a Healer, to love, and how to pray. Each chapter contains scripture references and child friendly stories to help them understand the message of God.  The first grade curriculum is teaching our students the basics of our faith because in the next year of their faith they will be preparing themselves to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. For more information about the Alive in Christ religious program take a look at their website.
 
Alive in Christ
www.aliveinchrist.osv.com/school