The First Grade curriculum follows the California State Framework. Our
Reading program combines whole reading and phonics. The textbook series we use
is Pearson-Scott Foresman. We use Guided Reading with trade literature and big
books. We read a story a week and other subjects such as
phonics,spelling,vocabulary,grammar and creative writing flow from that story.
We also incorporate a leveled reading program called Reading a-z. This program
allows the children to read many fiction and non-fiction books at their
current reading level. Many other reading skills are taught through activities
such as, DEAR Time,reading poetry, choral reading, story time and Partner Reading.
The Math program uses Houghton Mifflin text books. The main focus in math
is addition and subtraction. We also work on telling time, money, place value,
geometry and problem solving. We use manipulatives and do a lot partner work
and hands on activities.
Prayer is a central theme at St. Joseph's. We begin each morning with prayer
at the Morning Assembly. The children attend First Friday Masses and
participate in many Prayer Services and Liturgies put on by the student
body. We end our day with a Prayer Circle in the classroom. We also stress
service to others by participating in many Reach Out projects.Our former
Pastor also visits our classroom to speak to the children twice a month about
up coming seasons and feasts in the church. Blest Are We is our new religion
text book. The major topics covered are Our Church Community,Our Loving
God,God's Son Jesus,The Holy Spirit, and Jesus' Church of Follower.
California Science by MacMillian McGraw/Hill is our new science text. Some
of the topics covered are Plant, Animals, Habitats, Weather, States of Matter
and Changing Matter. The children also go to the science Lab once a week to
participate in hands on science experiments.
The social Studies text by Scott Foresman called Time and Place. We cover
Citizenship, People and Places,Our Country,Changes over time,Cultures and
goods and Services.
Our curriculum is enriched with many Field Trips and guest speakers. We
also provide many special classes such as Computer, Music, Art and P.E.
