1st and 2nd Grade Curriculum
Our 1st and 2nd grades are combined and taught by one homeroom teacher and then receive separate instruction for Math and ELA. Work completed is proudly saved and stored in our learning portfolios which culminate our best work from the school year. Includes in these portfolios are examples of our learning through the content areas of art, Math, ELA, writing, Science, Social Studies, and special projects.
ELA (English Language Arts )
ELA includes reading, writing, language, speaking and listening. (2 teachers)
In addition to daily teacher read alouds, students have an opportunity to engage in a novel unit throughout the school year. Novel units which students read together in class may include The Chocolate Touch, Charlotte’s Web, Pippi Longstocking, Magic Tree House Series, Ramona, Humphrey,etc. Each student has a copy of the novel and additional language activities and lessons are completed with the novel as the focus.
Writing
Students read and write daily and work on the process of writing from brainstorming ideas, drafting and revising. Students write creative story pieces in their Story Journals, and daily in their Morning Work on an assigned topic.
In First grade, students work through the Zaner-Bloser workbook to learn proper formation of numbers and letters. They have several opportunities to practice daily throughout the other content areas. In Second grade, cursive writing is introduced at the second half of the year and practiced through the Zaner Bloser workbook. At the end of the year, students are encouraged to use cursive writing to complete specific assignments.
Grade 2 students also complete a monthly book project on a specific genre selected by the teacher. These include: a biography, fantasy, humorous, “How To”, Folk/Fairy Tale, and a mystery. Student creativity shines through as they learn to speak in front of the class presenting their projects to the 1st/2nd audience.
Students in both grades are expected to read and record books on a monthly reading record.
Math (2 teachers)
Students receive instruction from a teacher for 50 minutes each day. During the time block students are also reviewing basic skills and participating within math centers that are incorporated daily. Students have ipads and Chrome books (touch) at their disposal to access applications such as: xtra Math, Freckle, and abcya
Students review addition and subtraction facts daily at home and in school.
NWEA tests are administered in September, January, and May.
Science
The 1st and 2nd grades share a teacher for this combined experience.
Thematic units help learners understand science concepts of the human body, energy, water, life science, space, and animal adaptations. We use the Next Generation Science standards to guide our planning and to ensure that students have been introduced to the concepts in the framework. Students rely on technology and educational videos to explore thematic topics.
Supplementarily, we use Scholastic News and Science Spin to focus on STEM topics and conduct monthly experiments.
Social Studies
The 1st and 2nd grades share a teacher for this combined experience.
Supplementarily, we use a program from Junior Achievement to boost our students’ awareness and understanding how they are an important part in the community.
Religion
Students complete activities in a 9 workbook series in a combined setting for 20 minutes each day.
This curriculum takes them through key Bible stories in the Old Testament, such as creation, Noah’s ark, and the journey of the Israelites. It moves on to the New Testament with a focus on Jesus’s life from His birth and ministry to His death, resurrection, and ascension.
Religion is integrated throughout our school day. Additionally, students perform songs and recite Memory Work verses in Chapel and occasionally at Trinity Lutheran Church.