 The first grade curriculum is academically challenging while remaining developmentally appropriate. Students are expected to enter first grade with a good working knowledge of the English alphabet and basic reading and math skills. Students are frequently placed into small groups for guided instruction and centers. Basic organizational skills and small amounts of daily homework help develop increasing independence and time management skills. Students in the first grade are encouraged to take more responsibility in managing themselves in centers and in small groups.
Bible
The Biblical Choices for a New Generation curriculum is designed specifically for private Christian schools. Students study Old Testament stories in the fall and New Testament stories in the spring. Weekly memory verses help students to “hide God’s Word” in their hearts. Bible crafts are done weekly, encouraging students to be artistic and creative with the gifts God has provided them, while reinforcing the concepts of the lesson. NCS does not teach a particular doctrine, but simply focuses on stories read directly from the Bible. Weekly chapel services provide an opportunity for all elementary students, faculty, staff and parents to enjoy a time of praise and worship.
Reading
Through use of the Wright Group’s Gear Up! guided reading series, students are leveled using benchmark assessment books. They are then placed on an individualized reading plan. Teachers give direct instruction in comprehension, vocabulary, phonics, phonemic awareness and fluency. Small groups of students who are on similar levels work together with the teacher to progress in their reading skills. First graders are expected to finish the year on an independent reading level of J or higher. This is the national standard. NCS utilizes the STAR assessment program to determine the exact reading level at which a student is proficient. Levels are reassessed each month. The online Accelerated Reader program encourages the love of reading while developing comprehension and vocabulary skills. Students progress through seven different AR levels, attempting to earn either a bronze, silver or gold medal at the end of the year. The Reading A-Z program allows teachers to provide supplemental readers to students who need additional instruction and for students in need of greater challenges. Students are also expected to master all eleven Dolch sight word lists by the end of first grade.
Fluency
The Wright Group’s Fluency First! Program curriculum is based upon The Fluency Development Lesson, which was highly researched by Drs. Timothy Rasinski and Nancy Padak of Kent State University. Daily lessons use simple and brief reading selections that students practice multiple times before performing for their peers. Teachers assess students based upon reading rate, accuracy, expression, volume, clarity, eye contact and gestures. A total of six formal assessments are conducted each year. Vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and word recognition skills are the focus of this entertaining and motivating program.
Phonics
Explicit phonics and phonemic awareness is taught in grades 1-3 using the Neuhaus Language Enrichment method. The Neuhaus program, developed here in Houston, uses research-based methods of literacy instruction. This curriculum caters to all learning styles, whether auditory, visual or kinesthetic. Research shows that emerging readers who receive phonemic awareness training score significantly higher in reading and spelling in the early elementary years.
English
The Houghton Mifflin English curriculum is used to teach basic sentence structure and types of sentences. Nouns, pronouns, verbs and adjectives are explored as well. Capitalization and punctuation skills are reinforced throughout the year. Cumulative reviews help students continually revisit skills previously learned. Student workbooks are colorful with large easy-to-read print. Technology links are included in this curriculum.
Writing
The first grade writing program correlates with our Houghton Mifflin English curriculum. Students learn the basics of writing complete sentences. Teachers model the various types of writing with the help of the class. The steps in the writing process are directly taught and practiced throughout the year. Students utilize journals to document weekly events in their lives and to develop writing fluency. Storybook Weaver, a computer-based writing program that allows students to write creative stories using colorful illustrations, is also used.
Spelling
The Houghton Mifflin Spelling and Vocabulary series, published in 2006, is used to focus on basic letters of the alphabet, short and long vowels, consonant blends, suffixes and compound words. Daily exercises provide practice with handwriting, spelling and vocabulary. The Neuhaus Scientific spelling method dovetails nicely with the Houghton Mifflin curriculum and provides additional instruction in phonics and the spelling patterns.
Math
Through use of the Houghton Mifflin Math Expressions curriculum students are expected to memorize and master the 0-9 addition facts. This curriculum challenges students to think critically in order to apply what they learn in class to everyday situations. Students are expected to analyze and evaluate the thinking of other students. They are taught how to communicate mathematical thinking and how to organize their thinking. First grade covers addition, subtraction and multiplication skills. Place value, patterns and equations set the stage for later algebraic math. Basic geometry and measurement concepts are also introduced. Data analysis, probability and problem solving are continually reinforced throughout the year.
Science
The Scott Foresman Science curriculum focuses on life and earth sciences. Weather, plants and animals, rocks and minerals, the human body and health are just a few of the concepts covered at this grade level. Basic science concepts are reinforced by various field trips to the Houston Zoo, the Children’s Museum and a local strawberry orchard. Students experience science with a teacher who loves to share from a Christian perspective. Labs and hands-on activities help make science a favorite among our first grade students.
Social Studies
The MacMillan/McGraw-Hill Adventures in Time and Place curriculum encourages students to focus on the world around them beginning with their own neighborhoods and communities. Basic geography skills are included. A brief overview of America’s beginnings is addressed during the spring semester.
Music
The Musicplay curriculum is used to teach students about beat, rhythm, melody and harmony. Students learn to distinguish different voices, instruments and environmental sounds. Students participate in a spring program.
Art
Art is integrated into the regular classroom curriculum. Bible crafts and seasonal art projects allow students to be creative on a weekly basis. Students enjoy making Christmas crafts during the holiday season. Special projects include Rodeo Art drawings for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and a family heritage art project for Multicultural Week.
Physical Education
The elementary Physical Education program was developed by SPARK (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids) and is taught by two highly-qualified coaches who have many years of teaching and coaching experience. P.E. classes are designed to develop skills that enhance learning in the classroom. All students participate in 30 minutes of P.E. daily. Classes are taught in the school’s gymnasium and are highly structured in nature. Our belief is that daily physical activity is essential for good health and well-being. First grade students continue to hone large-motor and fine-motor skills through various games and activities.
Health
The Healthy and Wise curriculum from Caprock Press is used in each grade level 1-5. Students study the same topics throughout the year. Lessons change from one year to the next. Major topics include: Sports, Exercise, Nutrition, Food, Health Research/Updates, Body Basics, Safety/Health Awareness, Relationships and Social/Mental Health. Groups of our fifth grade students utilize the curriculum to design specific lessons, discussion questions, quizzes, projects, etc. for our teachers to present in their classrooms.
Computer/Technology
NCS integrates the use of computers and technology into the regular curriculum. First grade has access to computers in the classroom as well as in a fully equipped computer lab, providing a computer for each individual. Basic terminology is taught based upon the NETS (National Educational Technology Standards). Students use the Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing software to learn basic keyboarding skills. Students are periodically assessed on their keyboarding skills. Storybook Weaver, Accelerated Reader and other educational software are incorporated into the curriculum.
Junior Achievement
NCS participates in the Junior Achievement Program. Trained community volunteers present five lessons during the spring semester. The first grade curriculum is designed to provide practical information about family members and their interdependence. Lessons are designed around TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills). This program utilizes technology enhancements.
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