First Grade
St. Mark’s students grow exponentially in the first grade. By the end of the school year, they will become independent readers and writers.
Language Arts: Teachers are trained in the Lindamood Bell® Program in LiPs, Seeing Stars, and Visualizing and Verbalizing. These programs are used to enhance the Houghton Mifflin Reading Curriculum. Using the Houghton Mifflin Reading program, students increase their skills by decoding, questioning, monitor/clarify, and summarizing in poetry, plays, and folktales. Phonemic awareness and blending are strengthened as the students look for small words in big words and by sounding out words in small sections. To enhance the reading program, first graders take the STAR test on computers several times a year to determine their reading level. They participate in the Accelerated Reader program online to earn points for reading books. Handwriting instruction and reinforcement continues with the Handwriting Without Tears program.
Mathematics: Singapore Math is designed to equip students with a strong foundation in mathematics. In first grade, the focus is on number sense to 100, addition and subtraction, place value, length, weight, time, fractions, multiplication, time, and money. The program aims to help students develop logical thinking and critical lifelong problem-solving skills.
Social studies Focuses on Community, Map Skills, Geography, Environment, Responsible Citizenship, Goods and Services, Patriotism and Presidents, Money and Trade, and Occupations. We also study Mexico and Haiti, with the Haiti study coinciding with our service project of collecting shoes for Soles 4 Souls.
Science lessons are taught by a special science teacher. Topics will cover weather, simple machines, animals and habitats, life cycles, and food chains.
Spanish: In addition to the language and cultural exposure, students begin formal study of spelling and vocabulary of the Spanish language by a native speaker. Students hear the language in everyday usage and activities.
First graders attend all the resources; art, computer, Christian education, music, physical education, and library throughout the week.
