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1st & 2nd Grade Curriculum

The elementary program at St. Christopher’s Episcopal School builds strong, confident, capable learners through research-based instruction and a warm, structured environment. In 1st and 2nd grade, students deepen foundational skills, grow as independent thinkers, and develop a love for learning that prepares them for continued academic success.
Our small class sizes allow for differentiated instruction, strong teacher–student relationships, and meaningful academic support for every child.

Literacy InstructionSCES uses Science of Reading–aligned instruction across the elementary grades to ensure students become skilled, fluent readers.
1st Grade Focus

• UFLI Foundations phonics sequences
• Decodable reading practice and fluency building
• Phoneme–grapheme mapping and early spelling
• High-frequency word mastery
• Introduction to sentence writing and basic paragraphs
• Comprehension through rich literature and read-alouds

2nd Grade Focus

• Continued UFLI-aligned phonics instruction
• Advanced phonics patterns and multisyllabic decoding
• Reading fluency development
• Structured writing (narratives, informational pieces, opinion writing)
• Vocabulary expansion and comprehension strategies
• Early grammar and mechanics

Students build the skills necessary to transition to chapter books, longer writing tasks, and higher-level comprehension.

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Writing & Fine Motor SkillsStudents develop strong writing habits through:

• Daily writing practice
• Handwriting instruction
• Drafting, editing, and publishing simple writing pieces
• Structured sentence and paragraph formation
• Creative writing and journaling

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Social–Emotional LearningSCES continues to use Conscious Discipline to help children:

• Navigate friendships
• Solve problems respectfully
• Build responsibility and independence
• Develop emotional awareness
• Strengthen self-regulation

These skills support academic success and positive classroom culture.

MathematicsMath instruction in 1st and 2nd grade emphasizes conceptual understanding, number sense, and real-world problem solving. Students learn through hands-on materials, visual models, math talks, and guided practice.
1st Grade Math

• Addition & subtraction within 20
• Place value to 100
• Comparing numbers
• Understanding tens and ones
• Basic measurement & data
• Shapes and simple geometry
• Word problems and reasoning strategies

2nd Grade Math

• Addition & subtraction within 100 and 1,000
• Regrouping and multi-step problem solving
• Expanded place value understanding
• Introduction to arrays and equal groups
• Time, money, and measurement
• Graphs, data, and deeper geometry concepts

These foundations prepare students for increasingly complex math in upper elementary grades.

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Science & Social StudiesElementary students continue to explore the world through Little Thinkers units and hands-on investigation.

• Life science (plants, animals, habitats)
• Earth science (weather, seasons, resources)
• Physical science (motion, matter, simple experiments)
• Community & citizenship
• Early American history & geography
• Cultural studies and world awareness

Activities include experiments, projects, read-alouds, and inquiry-based learning.

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Faith & Character DevelopmentAs an Episcopal school, 1st and 2nd graders grow spiritually through:

• Weekly chapel
• Bible stories that teach kindness, courage, and compassion
• Service-minded activities
• Daily practices that foster gratitude, empathy, and respect

We embrace and welcome families of all backgrounds.

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Growing Confident LearnersThe 1st and 2nd Grade program at SCES equips students with strong literacy, math, social, and character skills. With small classes and nurturing teachers, children gain confidence, curiosity, and the academic readiness needed for future success.

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Ms. Shyann Lair
​What's your spirit vegetable?
"A cauliflower because it's white like an angel"

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Ms. Ameris Falcon
What would your warning label be if you came with one?
"Caution if you say my name wrong I won't respond"

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