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1st Grade

Overview 1st grade sets the tone for all future grades at the Academy.  While still offering a program full of fun and enriching activities, 1st graders learn to begin to take independent ownership of their education.

 

 
Bible 
We use the Purposeful Design Grade 1 curriculum. It teaches how to live as a Christian through the Bible stories of Creation through Paul’s missionary journeys. 
 
Phonics and Reading
We find that continuing a balanced and differentiated approach to teaching our 1st graders works well. We use Abeka for our phonics and reading lessons. The phonics lessons teach phonemic awareness and phonological skills. In reading, we meet in small groups differentiating the instruction as needed. We have literacy centers during this time. 
 
Math
We use a variety of manipulative, classroom aides, and learning games with our BJU math curriculum. Each new concept is taught as a whole group using direct instruction. Math centers and iPad apps provide 1st graders additional concept practice. 
 
Language Arts
Language arts primarily focuses on using complete sentences to express written opinions and informative texts that include topics and supporting facts.  We also use writing workshops, grammar activities, and games. Finally, school library visits and iPads apps during computer time are used to reinforce learned skills.
 
 
Science and Social Studies
In 1st grade at OCA, science and social studies are learned throughout the year. We use exploration and observation using the scientific method to study topics such as botany, anatomy, insects, states of matter, space, and laws of gravity.  In Social Studies, 1st graders begin to identify and study historical figures important to our nation, learn to use maps to identify key elements in our state as well as globally, and what it means to be a citizen of a country. 
 
 
 
By the end of 1st grade, students will:
 
 
Bible
  • Demonstrate Christian virtues and explain why as Christians, we should show these
  • Know the Bible as the Word of God
  • Know ways to grow in our faith, demonstrate love for others, and share the Gospel
  • Memorize key passages of Scripture, and know ways to apply them
  • Worship God through music, prayer, and study of His word
 
Phonics/Reading
  • Read poetry, prose, and informational texts of an appropriate level for 1st graders and answer questions about key details in the text
  • Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses (inferences.)
  • Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events
  • Identify the main topic and key details in a text.
  • Describe connections between 2 individuals, events, or ideas in a text
  • Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events
  • Know and apply grade-appropriate phonics and word analysis of skills in decoding words.
  • Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension
Math
  • Demonstrate an understanding of equality and addition and subtraction
  • Understand the place value of three-digit numbers
  • Tell time and solve problems involving money
  • Collect, categorize, represent and interpret data using appropriate titles, labels, and units
  • Demonstrate an understanding of equality and addition and subtraction
  • Measure the length of objects and solve problems involving length
  • Develop an understanding of fractions
  • Develop an understanding of multiplication

 

Language Arts
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of age-appropriate English grammar rules 
  • Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or name of a book, state an opinion, give supporting details and provide closure
  • Use self-editing and peer-editing techniques to improve written work
  • Express ideas and feelings clearly and calmly
  • Distinguish certain word pairs and groups such as rhyming words, homonyms, contractions, opposites, similes, and words with special sounds

 

Science
  • Raise questions about the natural world
  • Use the 5 senses as tools to observe and describe objects
  • Explore the Law of Gravity and the relationship of objects on Earth to it
  • Sort objects by observable properties
  • Explore and investigate to learn and solve problems
Social Studies
  • Understand history as a record of God’s plan for mankind
  • Compare and contrast life in present times to life in times before
  • Recognize and understand why we celebrate national holidays
  • Give examples of responsible citizenship
  • Recognize symbols and individuals that represent American constitutional democracy

Calendar

April 2025
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
2
3
4
Pizza Friday
Pizza Friday
April 4, 2025
5
Var. Boys Baseball SSAA Tournament (TBD)
Var. Boys Baseball SSAA Tournament (TBD)
April 5, 2025

11100 General Ave. Jacksonville, FL 32220 @ Old Plank Christian
6
7
8
PAWS Meeting (6:30 pm)
PAWS Meeting (6:30 pm)
April 8, 2025 | 6:30 PM - 7:00 PM
9
10
11
12
25/26 K5 Round-Up
25/26 K5 Round-Up
April 12, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
13
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday
April 13, 2025
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Pizza Friday
Pizza Friday
April 25, 2025
26
Prom
Prom
April 26, 2025
27
Senior Trip
Senior Trip
April 27, 2025
28
MAPS Testing
MAPS Testing
April 28, 2025
Senior Trip
Senior Trip
April 28, 2025
29
MAPS Testing
MAPS Testing
April 29, 2025
Senior Trip
Senior Trip
April 29, 2025
30
MAPS Testing
MAPS Testing
April 30, 2025
Senior Trip
Senior Trip
April 30, 2025

Upcoming Events

April 26 - Saturday
April 27 - Sunday
April 28 - Monday