1st Grade Overview

Welcome to St. Matthew School! First grade is full of learning, love and exciting adventures. By working together, we can provide each student with the knowledge, the independence and self-confidence they will need to prepare for their future learning. 

First grade is a year of important transitions, as well as a year when acquisition of new skills will be accelerated. It is our hope that we make this experience as fun and exciting, while instilling the love of learning into our students that will last throughout the school years. 

So much happens in first grade. We build on small successes, maintain each student’s self-esteem and build a secure foundation for growth.

The first grade classroom is a place where student collaborate with peers and other adults. There are opportunities for active exploration, guided discovery, and hands on experiences. Emphasis is placed on problem solving, good decision making, independent and creative thinking, as well as opportunities to make real and practical connections.

Welcome to First Grade!

Ms. Emma Garcia

I teach at St. Matthew School because I love the community here.  Everyone, students and staff are so kind and welcoming.  I love how excited all of the students are to learn and to be at school each day.  

Background
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences: Digital Technology and Culture and Communication and Businees from Washington State University.
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with Reading Endorsement from Whitworth University.
Master of Education from University Child Development School.
Started at St. Matthew School in 2024.

Philosophy

I want to give students the opportunity to be hands on and I want to adapt to each student’s learning style.  I want to create a positive learning environment for students. 

Fun Facts
Ms. Garcia loves traveling, spending time with friends and family and being active.

Favorite Kid’s Book
Maddi’s Fridge by Lois Brandt

Curriculum

Social Studies

  • For first grade Social Studies we follow the Washington Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs), which focus on Civics, Economics, Geography, History and Social Studies skills. Civics education is to provide students with the skills and understandings needed to become effective and responsible members of society. As citizens of a culturally diverse and increasingly dependent world, students are guided toward developing the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions with regard to the needs of regional, national, and global communities.

Science

  • The goal of science education is to develop scientifically literate, lifelong learners who have positive attitudes towards science. Students experience science as a core curriculum that is inquiry based so they will be scientifically literate and apply the processes of science in their daily lives. First grade science covers three content areas: Life Science, Sounds & Matter, and Earth & Space. 

Math

  • Our first grade mathematics program uses the My Math materials published by McGraw-Hill. This program develops conceptual understanding, computational proficiency, and mathematical literacy.

English Language Arts (Daily 5)

  • The Daily 5 program forms a foundation for learning as it encompasses reading, writing. And communication skills and processes. I believe that literacy is about learning to make meaning using all forms of language expression. Students are supported in learning literacy skills and process leading to knowledge and critical thinking strategies necessary to become competent, purposeful lifelong readers, writers, and communicators.

Religion

  • Our first grade religion program uses the Blest Are We, Faith in Action materials published by RCL Benziger. This program focuses on faith being developed through thematic curriculum based on the four pillars of the Cathechism of the Catholic Church. These four pillars of Catholic doctrine are: what Catholics believe, how Catholics worship, how Catholics live, and how Catholics pray.