Reading

Reading is an extremely important part of first  grade! We read all day long. The materials I use for reading are from a wide variety of genres. The books are on each individual student's level allowing him/her to gain confidence reading increasingly complex books.

The children will practice reading strategies during Reading Workshop. Students will read silently, buddy read and read in guided reading groups. The focus in Grade One will begin with learning to read and using cueing systems to self correct and growing into comprehension and responding to texts. Reading is also integrated into every subject. Phonics is worked on during Make-A-Word, Big Book Shared Reading and Spelling. We use Secret Stories to help the students learn all of the sounds used in our language. This helps in both reading and writing. Three to five nights a week students will bring home a book to read. Homework will be individualized in reading to fit the child's needs. Some will read a chapter alone while others will read a book to a parent.  


     The children are exposed to many different authors and genres through read alouds. This exposes them to lots of vocabulary and language that they will use to figure out words in the books they read. It also models fluency and voice. Some of our authors in focus are: Kevin Henkes, Mo Willems, Robert Munsch, Tracy West, Dr. Seuss, Mercer Mayer, E.B. White and Iza Trapani.

     We do class plays and lots of readers' theaters during the school year. We keep and add to a poetry book each week. These opportunities get the students motivated to read while encouraging voice and fluency all while having fun!

     Reading at home is highly encouraged! Although your child is becoming independent in his/her reading, it is still important for you to read aloud to him/her. It enhances fluency, voice and vocabulary. Make a routine of reading a chapter to your child before his/her nightly reading time or share the book by taking turns reading aloud each page. Let your child know how much you enjoy and value reading! It will turn them into life long readers!