First grade is an exciting year where children become independent learners using critical thinking and problems solving skills.  In religion, children strengthen their relationship with God, learning about the Church Year, the life of Christ, the Sacraments, and by preparing and participating in prayer services and liturgies.  In ELA, children build upon phonemic awareness to become fluent readers, spellers, and writers, drawing knowledge from both fiction and non-fiction reading experiences.  In mathematics, first graders become problem solvers, using addition, subtraction, and even algebra to deepen their understanding and application of math.  Our science and social studies curriculum gives children the opportunity to explore the natural world of plants and animals, light and sound, while learning about our County’s past and present, and exploring and appreciating different cultures around the world.