ACADEMIC OVERVIEW

FIRST GRADE

WELCOME TO FIRST GRADE!

Welcome to First Grade at TLS, a pivotal year where a new world of learning blossoms for our young students. Here, the foundations of reading, writing, and math are built upon and expanded, sparking curiosity and a lifelong love for learning. Our dedicated teachers expertly balance structured academics with creative exploration, all grounded in our shared values of kindness, respect, and Biblical truth. Our hands-on, interactive approach nurtures each child's academic potential, social-emotional growth, and moral awareness. Together, we will make this first-grade journey an inspiring and enriching one!

Below, you can find an excerpt of the academics that your child will experience in their first year at TLS.

Mrs. Ingrid Huelsnitz

  • Ingrid Huelsnitz grew up in Topeka, Kansas were she attended Topeka Lutheran School Grades 5-8. It was there, even at a young age, that she felt God’s calling to become a LCMS Lutheran school teacher. Mrs. Huelsnitz attended 3 year at St. John’s College in Winfield, Kansas and completed her BS in Education at Concordia Seward - Seward, NE. Mrs. Huelsnitz first Call was to Trinity Lutheran Janesville to teach 2nd grade in 1987 where she has continued to serve for 35 years. She is married with 2 children who attended Trinity.

  • And that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love - Ephisians 3:17

  • As my students learn and grow it is a gift to be able to daily remind them that they are loved, valued members of God’s family and He has a plan for each of them.

RELIGION

The Concordia Publishing House, One in Christ curriculum is used to teach the faith to first graders. Bible stories from both the Old and New Testaments are taught to express to the students God’s plan for our salvation through Jesus Christ, and His love in our lives today. Key concepts of faith such as Law and Gospel, confession and repentance, forgiveness and grace are taught through each unit. A joyful and willing attitude towards prayer and worship is encouraged. Through a planned memory program, students learn scripture verses, songs, the Lord’s Prayer and Ten Commandments

READING

The first-grade reading program at our school is comprehensive and dynamic, designed to inspire confident and competent readers. With a robust phonetic foundation established through programs such as Saxon and Visual Phonics, we nurture the fundamentals of letter sounds, word formation, and sight words. In addition, a wide variety of children's literature helps students to practice and master their reading skills. As students engage with both fiction and non-fiction books, they develop vital reading skills such as sequencing, identifying the main topic, noticing details, and understanding alphabetical order. Furthermore, our curriculum incorporates reading books, take-home books, vocabulary games, and writing and speaking activities to bolster reading proficiency across all contexts. Beyond our in-school curriculum, we foster a joy and desire to read for pleasure through computer programs, partner reading, and the Book Buddies initiative.

PENMANSHIP

In the area of written language, students will continue their learning and practice of proper manuscript techniques using Zaner-Bloser. They are provided with opportunities to adapt to different line sizes and utilize free space effectively. The emphasis is on practicing and reviewing proper formation and spacing, not only within the handwriting program but also in their daily work as they write numerals, letters, words, and sentences.

ENGLISH

The Shurley English curriculum focuses on teaching students strong grammar skills. Through the use of jingles and repetitive practice, students learn about word jobs, sentence structure, capitalization, and punctuation skills. The curriculum integrates language skills such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing throughout the first-grade day. Students actively participate in planning and writing sentences, paragraphs, stories, and letters. They also have the opportunity to share their completed work both orally and in written form.

SPELLING

First-grade spelling instruction incorporates a combination of traditional spelling lists provided by Saxon Phonics and Word Wall Word activities. By utilizing both programs, students not only explore word patterns, prefixes, suffixes, and word relationships but also aim to master the spelling of frequently used sight words. During writing activities, inventive spelling is encouraged along with the use of Word Wall Words to reinforce and apply spelling skills.

MATH

First-grade students are instructed using the Bridges in Mathematics curriculum, which focuses on developing deep understandings of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and the ability to solve complex and novel problems. Throughout the year, these objectives are practiced multiple times to achieve mastery in alignment with mathematical State Standards and real-life applications. The curriculum covers various units including math vocabulary, word problems, mental math, math facts up to 18, place value up to 1000, money, time, geometry, fractions, measurement, graphing, and readiness for multiplication and division. Students receive a combination of direct instruction and engage in Number Corner activities where they investigate, explore, and practice concepts using manipulatives and games.

SCIENCE

The first-grade science program introduces students to science concepts, with a particular emphasis on engineering and technology in relation to understanding and exploring God's creation. The curriculum utilizes the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Science Dimensions online curriculum, complemented by hands-on learning experiences and STEM projects. Students explore topics such as sound, light, plants, animals,

SOCIAL STUDIES

The Macmillan/McGraw-Hill Curriculum Big Books are utilized to assist first graders in understanding their ever-changing world. The curriculum covers units on various topics such as community, family, resources, country, geography, historical heroes, and events. Additionally, a weekly news magazine is incorporated as a supplement to explore current events.

COMPUTERS

First-grade students utilize computers to reinforce and extend their learning in various areas. They develop familiarity with keyboarding skills, learn to identify and utilize different components of a computer system, and engage with online programs to strengthen typing skills and engage in design activities through computer play. Additionally, students are introduced to computer programming skills through platforms such as code.org.

ART

In addition to practicing cutting, gluing, and drawing skills, first-grade students are given the opportunity to express their creativity and personal style through various elements of art and the use of different mediums. They receive formal introductions to the elements of line, color, shape, and texture. Art appreciation and history are integrated into the curriculum on a monthly basis, with students being exposed to famous artwork provided by the Waseca Arts Council.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

In first grade, students will focus on learning and reinforcing locomotion movements, including skipping, galloping, running, leaping, and hopping. They will also begin practicing basic movements such as throwing, catching, and kicking. Group games will be taught to promote teamwork, fair play, positive leadership, and compassion for others. The aim is to introduce not only the joy of physical activity but also emphasize the importance of physical activity for maintaining healthy bodies.