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

Click here to learn more about the Catholic Connections Crosswalk included in our SuperKids Reading Program
 
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. www.sadlier.com/school/mathematics/math-skills-building-program

Science

• MyStory videos: Open each chapter with a personal story related to the content
• Spark questions: Ask students to apply their understanding of the main concept
• Songs: Help students learn and retain information
• Vocabulary preview: Help students prepare for new words
• Large-print font: Helps beginning readers follow along

 
Religion