St. Matthew Catholic School
Religion
First Grade Level Expectations
These are the core grade level expectations based on the McRel standards and benchmarks that should be taught during kindergarten and represent what a student will learn. They are written from the student point of view. These grade level expectations are aligned with McRel standards and the standards-based progress report. The number listed is in reference to McRel 3rd edition; the number listed for Religion standard is in reference to By Their Fruits You Shall Know Them, Lorraine Ozar. Not all standards are addressed at every grade level which is appropriate considering a student’s development.
Reads, interprets, and applies Scripture to life.
• Recalls Bible stories and knows the Bible is God’s holy book
• Participates in discussion*
Illustrates basic understanding of Catholic dogma and doctrine in light of the “Catechism for the Catholic Church.”
• Learns that God made all things and wants us to know and love Him
• Recognizes that Saints are holy people with God in heaven.
• Recognizes that angels are God’s special guardians
• Knows that as Mary was the mother of Jesus; she is also our mother and the mother of the Church
• Recognizes that God has gifted us with the wonders of creation and a share in divine life through Baptism
• Knows that Holy Water is a reminder of one’s baptism
• Knows that God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
• Deepens the understanding of Jesus as the Son of God
• Reflects on what it means to be a child of God
• Learns that Jesus, being God, also lived as a human like us
• Recognizes that the Church is a community of God’s people
• Knows that the church is also a special house in which God’s family can play and worship
Makes moral decisions consistent with Church teachings.
• Realizes that God’s plan is that people be good in order to live with God forever in heaven
• Recognizes that God gives us rules for living a life of love
Acknowledges and affirms the diverse cultural expressions of Catholicism.
• Recognizes the many gifts, talents and abilities that God has provided each of us
• Accepts and loves others who are different from oneself
• Cares for and respects all of God’s creation by respecting and loving all members of God’s family of all races, languages and abilities
Applies Catholic principles to interpersonal relations (e.g., family, peers, work, society, Church, etc.)
• Practices Christian action toward others*
• Is willing to help*
Critiques societal structures in light of Catholic social justice principles and apply to social and personal situations.
• Practices Christian action toward others*
Engages in service to the community (e.g., family, parish, local, national and global) in response to the Gospel call.
• Practices Christian action toward others*
Exercises responsible stewardship for the gift of creation.
• Practices Christian action toward others*
Uses a variety of prayer forms (e.g., traditional, spontaneous, devotional, multicultural) to enrich and express personal and communal spirituality.
• Experiences a sense of joy, wonder, and discovery in prayer, work and play
• Demonstrates that God wants us to relate lovingly through liturgical and spontaneous prayer
• Develops a sense of prayer and celebration of God’s gifts.
• Can recite and use the designated prayers and gestures; Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary and Grace before/after meals and Morning Prayer, Doxology (Glory Be) and other prayers of cultural/liturgical significance as designated.
Demonstrates an understanding of liturgical seasons and feasts.
• Increases knowledge of Church’s liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter