email:spshgrade5@diobptedu.org

phone: 203-792-6194

First Grade is an exciting time for learning! I hope to encourage all students to be life-long learners! In First Grade, we begin our day with Prayer and Religion. We learn about God and how we are part of his Church.

Each day, we have a 90 minute block of time for English Language Arts, which consists of Phonics, Spelling, and Reading. Learning to read and use language is an important part of First Grade! In First Grade, we read each day in many different formats. All students read independently and in whole and small groups. Students also work in independent Learning Centers to reinforce reading and language concepts. During Morning Meeting, students gain practice in a wide array of skills and concepts, including sight words, word families, weather, calendar, place value, time, and money.

A separate Writing Workshop allows students to participate in the writing process. During this time, students learn about writing through a mini-lesson. Students are encouraged to use what they have learned as they create independent writing pieces. Students also contribute to class stories.

In Math, students often use manipulatives to explore concepts, which are reinforced through group and independent practice. Either Science or Social Studies lessons are presented each day, with opportunities to do hands-on lessons in these areas.

In First Grade, all students participate in a variety of special classes, including Music, Gym, Spanish, Art and Computers.