First Grade

Growing as Learners, Living Our Faith

First grade at Holy Spirit Catholic School builds on the foundations established in kindergarten and at home. Students become increasingly confident, engaged learners as they strengthen academic skills, explore new ideas, and grow in faith. Our classrooms encourage critical thinking, creativity, and respect for themselves and others.

Deepening Our Faith
Students learn about God’s love through prayer, Bible stories, and an introduction to the sacraments, especially Baptism. They explore the Holy Family, the life of Jesus, and the Church while learning how to put their faith into action through kindness and care for others.

Becoming Confident Readers and Writers
First graders develop accuracy, fluency, and comprehension as they read and discuss stories and informational texts. They learn to retell events, compare characters, and ask thoughtful questions. Through handwriting, spelling, and writing activities, students begin creating stories, sharing opinions, and explaining ideas with greater detail.

Strengthening Communication Skills
Classroom discussions help children practice listening carefully, following directions, and expressing their thoughts clearly. Students learn to contribute ideas, ask questions, and listen respectfully to different perspectives.

Building Mathematical Thinking
Students deepen their understanding of numbers, place value, addition, and subtraction. They explore measurement, time, shapes, fractions, and graphs through meaningful practice and problem-solving. Explaining their thinking and trying different strategies helps children become more confident mathematicians.

Discovering Our World
Science and social studies connect learning to the world around us. Students investigate weather, seasons, plants, animals, and matter while exploring Kansas history, maps, community helpers, and the difference between needs and wants.

Throughout first grade, children grow in independence, responsibility, and friendship; building a strong foundation for continued learning within our Catholic school community.