First Grade

Curriculum

Reading 

Focus: Multisensory Approach with whole and small group reading instruction. Individual Book Boxes for independent reading.
 
Textbook:  Slingerland, A-Z leveled fiction & nonfiction books, MacMillian McGraw-Hill literacy books, Scholastic News
 

Writing 

Focus:  Whole group teaching, followed by independent writing - narratives, opinion pieces, and informative texts. 
 
Textbook: Writers Workshop by Lucy Calkins
 

Math 

Focus: Developing understanding of addition, subtraction, and strategies for addition and subtraction within 20. Understanding of whole number relationships and place value, including grouping in tens and ones. Understanding of linear measurement and measuring lengths as iterating length units. Reasoning about attributes of, and composing and decomposing geometric shapes.
 
Textbook: Eureka Math
 

Science 

Focus: Plan and carry out investigations, analyze and interpret data, evaluate and communicate information. 
 
Textbook: Foss Kits - Balance in Motion, Solids & Liquids, and Scholastic News
 

Social Studies 

Focus: Develop an understanding of basic concepts and ideas from economics, geography, and history focusing on the family and the ways they choose to live and work together. Study the country of Mexico.
 
Textbook: Scholastic News
 

Religion 

Focus: Creation, Jesus and the Church 

Textbook: Finding God
 

Social/Emotional Skills 

Focus: Developing a growth mindset, kindness, respect and problem solving skills. 

Textbook: Second Step Program
 
 

Service and Leadership

Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive 
Make fleece blankets for St. Francis House
 

Enrichment

Eighth Grade Math Buddies once a week.  Practice speaking with Question of the Day, Sharing Star Student All about Me Posters, Show and Tell, and sharing writing during Author Celebrations. 
 

Special Events

Field Trip - StoryBook Theater, 100 Days in School Celebration, School Families and All School Mass once a month.
 

"Let your faith be bigger than your fear." Hebrews 13:6

I graduated from Gonzaga University with a BA in Regular and Special Education. I have over thirty years of experience teaching Kindergarten and First Grade. I started at Our Lady of the Lake School in 2008. I believe that a classroom should be a safe and caring community and an environment where children can grow and meet their full potential. I act as a guide through hands-on activities, learning choices and individual work that engages and activates students' learning.