Reading
First grade readers need direct instruction as well as choice of reading material. Below are some ways this is accomplished in our classroom.
First grade readers need direct instruction as well as choice of reading material. Below are some ways this is accomplished in our classroom.
- Book Bins - Students maintain a bin of books that are reserved especially for him or her. Students return books and check out new material, “Book Shop”, on a weekly basis. They are encouraged to choose several "Just Right Books", a challenge book, a book or magazine from the nonfiction shelf. Many of the children also enjoy choosing books from our Poetry/Song Books basket or our collection of class favorites. First graders also enjoy reading books in a series. Henry and Mudge, Amelia Bedelia, Fly Guy and The Magic Tree House books are favorite series. They may also choose books by favorite authors such as Kevin Henkes, Nancy Carlson, Cynthia Rylant and Robert Munsch.
- Independent Reading - Quiet, independent reading lasts about 10 -15 minutes and will stretch to 30-35 minutes as the year progresses. During this time, teachers will confer with individual children.
- Buddy Reading - Often children are given a chance to read matching texts with a partner. At other times, buddies share books they have each selected. Peers help each other and provide confidence to many beginning readers. Buddy reading is popular with most children and often encourages them try books recommended by a peer. Just as those of us in book clubs listen to recommendations of others, children enjoy sharing book choices with friends.
- Readers Theater - Your child will occasionally bring home a script with an assigned part to practice. Children love reading a part in a “play” aloud for classmates. What a great way to practice using a public voice and good expression. Readers Theater also improves fluency! It is fun for the class audience and also for the readers.
Favorite Read Aloud Chapter Books We Enjoy in Togther
Five Finger Rule for Choosing Books
Students are encouraged to try the Five FInger Rule to determine if a book is too challenging for them. As you read a page of text, every time you come to a word that you don't know OR you don't know what it means...put up a finger. If you get to five fingers before you get to the end of the page, that book is too much of a stretch for you. PEE WEE’S TALE - Joanna Hurwitz
LEXI’S TALE - Joanna Hurwitz PEE WEE AND PLUSH - Joanna Hurwitz SQUIRREL WORLD - Joanna Hurwitz 26 FAIRMOUNT AVE - Tomie DePaola MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS - Richard & Florence Atwater CHARLOTTE’S WEB - E.B. White FRECKLE JUICE - Judy Blume BUFFALO BEFORE BREAKFAST - Mary Pope Osborne MAGIC FINGER - Roald Dahl ESSIO TROT- Roald Dahl MY FATHER’S DRAGON - Ruth Gannett ELMER AND THE DRAGON - Ruth Gannett Charlotte’s Web - E.B. White |
Spelling
Our spelling instruction is a word study program developed at UVA. Much of the homework that you will help your child with is spelling homework. We work on both the list of 100 HIgh Frequency Words and on specific spelling patterns. Based on assessments, children are grouped to learn and study specific spelling patterns. The words for these patterns will come home each night in your child’s blue Word Study Notebook. |
Writing Workshop
Several times a week the children work on stories and writing of their choice. The work of Lucy Calkins of Columbia University and Katy Wood Ray provides the basis of our writing instruction. We will host a Writing Celebration during the year when each child selects a piece of writing to fancy up and share. Handwriting Instruction Neatness counts! Proper letter formation and spacing are important. A proper pencil grip prevents your hand from wearing out before you do! Sadly for the children, no cursive writing instruction until second grade! |