Kindergarten-2nd Grade

Kindergarten Curriculum Overview

Kindergarten is a joyful year of discovery where children begin their school journey with curiosity, creativity, and faith. Students learn through hands-on activities, stories, and exploration, building foundational skills that will support them throughout their academic years.

Religion
Faith formation is woven into each day in Kindergarten. Students learn that they are children of God, deeply loved and cared for. They grow in their understanding of Jesus, Mary, and the Church through prayer, songs, and stories. Key lessons include the story of Christmas and Easter, the importance of daily prayers, and understanding that sins are wrong choices. Children also practice active participation at Mass, laying the foundation for a lifelong relationship with God.

Mathematics
Math instruction focuses on building number sense through fun, engaging activities. Students work with numbers 1–100, practice counting, and explore concepts such as “more than,” “less than,” and “equal to.” Using manipulatives and games, they begin adding and subtracting numbers within 10, developing a strong base for future problem-solving.

Reading & Language Arts
Kindergarten students use the SuperKids reading program, which introduces them to characters who share stories about their interests and daily lives. Each SuperKid teaches a letter and sound, helping students connect phonics to real reading. Alongside these lessons, students learn sight words, strengthen listening skills, and begin developing fluency and comprehension. Early writing experiences allow children to express their ideas through letters, words, and simple sentences.

Social Studies
Social studies in Kindergarten helps students understand the world around them through engaging themes. Using Scholastic News magazines and seasonal activities, students explore topics such as communities and neighborhoods, fall and spring seasons, important holidays (Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Presidents’ Day, St. Patrick’s Day), and the lives of important figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. They also learn about caring for God’s creation through topics such as Earth Day, summer safety, and the study of animals and insects.

Science
Through Mystery Science with Doug, students build curiosity about the natural world with hands-on activities and simple investigations. Topics include pushes and pulls, sunlight and warmth, weather and severe storms, plant needs, and animal needs. These explorations encourage children to ask questions, make observations, and begin thinking like scientists.

Whole-Child Growth
Kindergarten is a year of remarkable growth in independence, responsibility, and social-emotional development. Students learn how to work cooperatively, share, and build friendships while also practicing respect and kindness. They are encouraged to try new things, ask questions, and celebrate mistakes as part of the learning process. Each child’s unique gifts are nurtured as they gain confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning that will guide them into the years ahead.

Taught by: Mrs. Hansen and Mrs. O'Brian. 

First grade is a magical year filled with many exciting changes and growth both academically and socially. Our literacy curriculum follows the Superkids reading program. By building on what they learned in kindergarten, first graders learn more complex letter-sound relationships, reading comprehension and fluency. They apply these new skills to both their reading and writing on a daily basis. Math exploration is also a big part of our day. First graders begin to grasp more abstract math concepts and master addition and subtraction facts through the use of many hands-on materials. There is so much to explore and learn throughout first grade - math, reading, writing, science, social studies and social skills. But the best part is being able to experience it all in a faith-filled environment!

Taught by: Mrs. Mecklenburg and Mrs. Kolaskinski

Second Grade Curriculum Overview

Second grade is an exciting year of growth, discovery, and faith. Students strengthen their academic foundations while preparing for important milestones in their spiritual journey.

Reading
Our reading curriculum continues to develop strong phonics skills and reading fluency. Students begin to transition from “learning to read” toward “reading to learn.” They explore a variety of stories and informational texts, building comprehension strategies such as identifying main ideas, making inferences, and recognizing story elements including character, setting, and plot.

Writing & Language Arts
In writing, students learn to express their ideas with greater clarity and organization. They practice writing complete sentences and begin to form paragraphs across different styles, including narrative, opinion, and informative writing. Weekly grammar and spelling instruction reinforces vocabulary, sentence structure, and mechanics to support strong communication skills.

Mathematics
Math instruction emphasizes mastery of addition and subtraction facts while building problem-solving strategies and number sense. Students explore place value, money, time, and measurement through hands-on activities, games, and real-world applications. These experiences foster critical thinking and a growing love of mathematics.

Religion & Sacramental Preparation
Faith formation is at the heart of second grade. Students deepen their understanding of God’s love and how they can live it out each day. This year is especially meaningful as students prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Through scripture study, prayer, and reflection, children grow in their relationship with God and develop the foundations of a lifelong faith.

Whole-Child Growth
Second grade also focuses on personal responsibility, kindness, and friendship. Each child’s unique gifts are celebrated, and students are encouraged to grow not only in knowledge and skills but also in character and faith.