FIRST GRADE

I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11

Mrs. Sophia Fitzgerald

Certificates and Education:

-Washington State Teaching Certificate 

-BA in Studio Arts with an emphasis in Ceramic Sculpture from Pacific Lutheran University

-MA in Elementary Education K-8 from Grand Canyon University

Educational Philosophy:

I believe all children are unique and their educational path should reflect their passions and interests. As an educator, I strive to create a stimulating educational environment where they can grow physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and socially. It is my desire to create this type of atmosphere where students can meet their full potential. My role is to act as a guide, giving students access to hands-on activities, student choice led by their curiosity, while directing their learning and incorporating essential technology skills. When not teaching I enjoy hiking, camping and teaching Pottery classes at Art and Clay Studio!

sfitzgerald@sncsgh.org

1ST GRADE HIGHLIGHTS

  • Practicing Corporal Works of Mercy:

  • Learning a new “Saint of the Day” every morning

  • Celebrating the season of Advent in special ways:

    • December 7th: Día de las Velitas, Night of the Candles

    • December 8th: Feast of the Immaculate Conception

    • December 9th: Juan Diego and how he met his Beautiful Lady, Our Lady of the Americas

CURRICULUM

Math

Students study operations and algebraic thinking. They study how to solve word problems, count to 120 starting at any number, and organize, represent and interpret data. They learn to tell and write the time in hours and half hours using digital and analog clocks. Students learn to name and identify coins and their values, identify halves and quarters, and compose two- and three-dimensional shapes to make new shapes.

Science

Students will explore and learn about motion and forces in Physical Science. They enjoy learning about a variety of insects in Life Science, and study weather patterns and astronomy in Earth Science.

Social studies

In Social Studies, students discover how to utilize maps, charts, and other geographic tools. They learn about seasons and celebrations, current affairs, safety, and how to be good citizens.

Religion

In the tradition of the Catholic Church, children will grow in understanding of creation, the Sacraments, the Bible, angels and saints, and the Holy Trinity. We celebrate a variety of liturgical seasons and introduce students to a life of regular prayer. We pray as a class daily and participate in weekly Mass.

Language Arts

Students will expand their language and vocabulary through practicing writing narrative, opinion, informative and explanatory pieces. They learn to express a sequence of events and focus on a topic through details. Students also utilize digital tools to produce, publish, and share writing. Spelling and grammar are important elements of first-grade instruction. Students practice proper spelling, beginning sentences with a capital letter, and ending with appropriate punctuation. Children also practice collaboration through small group projects.

Reading/Literature

Students build confidence and practice pronunciation by reading aloud with fluency, accuracy, and understanding. They practice memory and comprehension, and are asked to describe characters, settings, and major events in a story using key details and illustrations. They identify parts of a story and use character setting, conflict/problem and main idea. We also foster a love for books and reading by reading for pleasure: stories, informational texts, and poems.

Technology

Our technology specialist teaches children how to understand computers, practice keyboarding skill, use common applications, and practice safe, legal behavior.