First Grade - Indian Rocks Christian School

Welcome to First Grade!

Karen Weller

First grade is the foundational year for learning how to read and comprehend both fiction and informational text. Through carefully chosen standards that reflect the K-12 model of Indian Rocks Christian School, students gain important skills that can be applied to all subject areas. Reading, spelling, math, language, social studies, science and Bible are the building blocks for future academic success. In addition to core subjects, special instruction in art, music, library, physical education, recess and foreign language provide a well-rounded program. Solid curriculum enhanced with engaging hands-on activities reflect a Biblical worldview that identifies God as the source of all knowledge, truth, and understanding. First grade teachers strive to develop each student’s gifts and abilities in an atmosphere of genuine love and safety.

Core Subject Areas

English Language Arts

Our English Language Arts program is based on five essential components of Reading-Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Comprehension and Vocabulary. STAR reader tests and AR quizzes help build reading and comprehension while challenging students to improve! Writing focuses on proper handwriting as well as grammar and creative writing. Personal narratives, descriptive writings, and reports reflect proper grammar and sentence structure taught during engaging lessons. Spelling patterns flow from short vowels, to long vowels, to blends and more! ConnectED is the online component of our reading program that allows students additional practice in reading, grammar, phonics and spelling.

Math

Our math curriculum consists of Addition and Subtraction automaticity, Time and Measurement, Place Value, Fractions, Geometry, Double Digit Addition and Subtraction and Real Life Word Problems. Students are measured against standards and differentiated instruction is given during small group guided math lessons. A recent addition to our math program includes Happy Numbers-a subscription online resource that offers differentiation at a variety of levels.

Science

God created our scientific world. Through integrated lessons within our reading program, scheduled STEM activities, and use of Scholastic Science Weekly Magazine, students learn to think critically about the world God gave us. Examples of yearlong topics include Space, Weather, Animals, and Plants.

Social Studies

Social studies is integrated in our reading curriculum and includes United States Symbols, Maps and Globes, and Community.

Bible

Our Bible Curriculum is created to guide students to the understanding that all truth is God’s truth! Building on the Rock curriculum from Summit Ministries is cross-curricular and enables students to practice critical thinking and collaborative skills as well as gain understanding that knowledge is connected. First grade spends a lot of time in Genesis. Using daily lessons and weekly memorization of scripture, a big goal of this curriculum is to explain why we believe what we believe. Parents are always invited to our weekly chapel services!