Welcome to First Grade at
Notre Dame Elementary

The beginning of the school year is very exciting yet busy for us in 1A, 1B and 1C!  The children are learning each others names, the classroom rules and procedures and they are becoming a bit more independent each day.  The school day is filled with many varied experiences in all areas of the curriculum and seems to fly by.  
Our school day is from 8:10 A.M. – 2:15 P.M.

Here is a typical schedule:
8:10 – 8:30 Opening Exercises, Prayers, Pledge, etc
8:30 – 9:15 Language Arts
9:15 - 9:40 Writing to Read computer program
9:40 –10:00 Creative Writing
10:15 –10:30 Handwriting
10:30 –11:00 Phonics
11:00 –11:35 Lunch
12:00 - 1:00 Math
1:00 – 1:30 Religion
l:30 – 2:00 Science, Social Studies, 2nd Step, Atrium
2:00 Prepare to go home.

Here is a brief overview of our program:

Religion:  Blest Are We 2004 Edition A
Developmental program based on the scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Language Arts:  Scott Foresman Reading Street Series.  A literature based reading series that stresses language development.  Our program also includes the teaching of phonics, handwriting, grammar, creative writing, spelling, speaking and listening.

Math: Saxon Math Program.  This is a “hands on” program.  The concepts are presented in small increments, repeated and built upon so that the children can see interrelationships.  The children learn counting, addition, subtraction (both single and double digit), graphing, simple geometry and time and money concepts.

Writing to Read: Small group program whereby the children learn computer skills while practicing their creative writing and phonics skills.

Science and Social Studies: Involves a “hands on” approach.  In science the children learn about living things.  They grow their own plants, raise butterflies and even watch tadpoles turn into frogs.  The children also learn about the human body and the five senses. In Social Studies, we work on topics such as family, the community, the farm and city, holidays, and U.S. government in simple terms.  The children use Scholastic News a weekly newspaper that focuses on Science and Social Studies topics.

The children also have gym, music, library, and arts and crafts time.  The students at Notre Dame are learning each day in a loving and caring environment enveloped in the Catholic Faith.