The language arts classes include a very strong phonics program, language, and spelling all from the ABeka series. Since all three are from ABeka there is a constant review while new rules and concepts are introduced. Each day the class also has a 5 –10 minute oral language that includes capitalization, punctuation, proper nouns, subject-verb agreement, and more.

Our reading combines a literature and phonics based program. The children work in various groups according to their different levels of reading ability. These groups range from beginning readers to advanced readers. They also work on reading comprehension skills. Reading games are played to review phonetic skills or sound out words. Our reading program has two special activities added to it. The first is that each child reads a book to two of Zion’s Nursery classes. The second is a program in which the children read and tape books for Tomorrows Children at Hackensack University Medical Center. ‘A Good Book is a Good Friend’ The children are encouraged to read for enjoyment as well as learning.

The first grade penmanship program teaches the children cursive writing. By mid October or early November they are able to read cursive writing. However, they continue to write in manuscript until they have learned and practiced all cursive letters.

In math, the children learn addition and subtraction facts through 18, place value through 99, and addition and subtraction with two-digit numbers. They also work with money, telling time, measurement, geometry, and fractions.

Social Studies includes the topics of maps and globes, and the study of families, friends, our country, our world, and making choices in life.

In Science, the children learn about themselves, plants, animals, the weather, living and non-living things, moving things, and our earth. Experiments and hands-on activities are part of the science classes.

Art included a variety of different types of art projects.

Physical education is handled by the classroom teacher, including exercises and games with the class.

The children have a music teacher once a week. In music class they sing religious as well as secular songs, learn about different instruments, and play rhythm instruments and hand bells. The children also sing in the classroom as part of their religion lessons.

Surprise Stories – At the end of the day a child picks out a gift-wrapped book. This is the surprise story that will be read to the class.