Primary Grades
Kindergarten:
Students learn in whole group and small group settings through our blended learning program. Students have opportunities to work independently and collaboratively, allowing them to grow as independent learners and develop their team-building skills. Learning is facilitated in the context of everyday experiences including calendar activities, current events, exploring, and celebrating many different cultures.
Each day includes time to create, pretend, and make choices. Experiences both in the classroom and outside the classroom, such as field trips, are important components in Kindergarten that help to increase knowledge, and add fun and excitement to their learning experience.
1st Grade:
Students enter 1st grade with a natural curiosity about the world around them and an excitement to learn and discover. Using a curriculum based on the science of reading, these beginning readers and writers become increasingly fluent and independent. They expand their comprehension skills and knowledge base through study of a rich array of texts, including folk and fairy tales, non-fiction selections on the human body, early civilizations, and astronomy.
Students develop their mathematical computation skills as well as explore place value, measurement, and geometry. Students continue to learn of the love of God and grow in friendship with Jesus through music, a variety of prayer experiences, and study of the Gospel stories. They share family experiences, learn about communities near and far, and develop mapping skills.
Through hands-on activities, students investigate plant and animal traits, space systems, and light and sound waves. Students innovate, create, and share through our LEGO League Explore curriculum. Students also have the opportunity to explore our city and enhance their learning through a variety of field trips.
2nd Grade:
Second grade is a crucial period for the growth and development of young minds. We strive to create a supportive environment that fosters learning and encourages exploration. Developing key skills such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, equips students with the tools they need to succeed as they grow academically and personally.
In 2nd grade, students continue their development as readers, writers, and mathematicians. Our comprehensive ELA program integrates reading, spelling, vocabulary, and phonics with Science and Social Studies, providing connection throughout their learning.
Students have fun participating in writer’s workshops and writing books. Our math program challenges students through productive struggle, rich tasks, mathematical discourse, and formative assessments that help students self-identify their strengths and weaknesses. In addition to whole class instruction, students are provided opportunities to collaborate in small groups.
Each student has their own iPad used to enhance the curriculum. Applications/programs include Google Classroom, Mathletics, Epic, Brain Pop Jr., Mystery Science, and Raz-Kids. Students explore STEM through engineering projects and learning coding. Second graders learn more about God’s love and the many gifts He has given us.
A major focus of second-grade religion is preparation for receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Communion. Saint Monica 2nd grade students foster social-emotional development and academic growth with Second Step Curriculum.