Grades 1/2

The first and second grades are busy, active classrooms full of children reading, writing, learning math, discussing their learning, and expressing their faith. Instruction is differentiated for all students, so that each child is able to increase their knowledge and skills at their own level. Students receive regular homework, as well as occasional long-term projects.

The teachers use the McMillan/McGraw-Hill language arts curriculum, along with extensive use of trade books to engage children in the reading process. Children are taught to use both phonics and reasoning to decipher new words. The students develop many skills, such as visualizing, comparing and contrasting, making connections, and determining the main idea to help them understand the material they are reading. Teachers also use the 6+1 Traits of Writing model to help children develop their writing skills in many different areas. Spelling is taught at each child’s level, with individualized spelling lists and challenge words offered to those who are ready for them. The spelling curriculum is based on the most frequently used words, and students are expected to use their spelling skills in all writing activities.

The Everyday Math program is used to help children understand how math is part of our everyday lives. It teaches children to use higher level thinking skills, learning the basic facts and then deepening that knowledge. Students frequently use manipulatives to create concrete understanding of abstract ideas.

In Religion class students learn the basics of the Catholic Faith, such as learning the parts of the church building, the parts of the Mass, the life of Jesus and the holy family, and memorizing basic prayers. Students also prepare for sacraments and study the weekly scripture readings.

Science, social studies, Spanish, handwriting, and art are also taught as part of the weekly schedule in a two year themed cycle. Students experience extensive hands-on learning in science as they learn about air and weather, plants, gases and liquids, and animal life cycles, among other topics. Students learn the basics of the Spanish language as they learn to greet others, count, name family members and places around their homes, and the days and months. In social studies, students are introduced to many different topics, such as mapping and geography, U.S. history, money and economics, laws and rules, and the lives of Native Americans. The art lessons focus on developing a variety of skills through creativity. Students study famous artists and create artwork tied in some way to the artists’ work. Students also enjoy a variety of seasonal art projects.

Here at St. Peter Catholic School we are fortunate to be able to offer both the traditional classroom setting of one grade per class, in addition to a multi-age class in which first and second graders learn together. The students in the multi-age classroom benefit not only from the knowledge of the teacher, but from each other as well. More advanced learners can solidify their own understanding by attempting to teach a less advanced learner, who benefits by learning from a peer. Students get to experience being the younger and the older student in the room as they progress through the two-year cycle. Students also get to feel a sense of independence and accomplishment as they work on individual learning projects.