FIRST GRADE READING

GUIDED READING

Each team meets with the teacher 3-4 times a week.  Reading strategies are practiced and reinforced during each reading team session. As a student's reading level changes, he/she will move to a team that best meets his/her reading needs. While reading teams are in session, other students are involved in the following independent literacy activities:

READING TO YOURSELF

The best way to become a better reader is to practice each day with “just-right” leveled readers.

READ TO SOMEONE -- LISTEN TO SOMEONE READING

Reading to someone allows for more time to practice strategies and share in the learning community.

WORK ON WRITING

Just like reading, the best way to become a better writer is to practice writing each day.

LISTEN TO READING

We hear examples of good literature and fluent reading.  We expand our vocabulary and work on our comprehension.

COMPONENTS OF THE BALANCED LITERACY PROCESS USED IN MY CLASSROOM ARE STRUCTURED ACCORDING TO THE DAILY 5 by Gail Boushey & Joan Moser

READING STRATEGIES

To become an independent reader, students may use the following reading strategies to solve unknown words:

Look for a picture clue

Get your mouth ready and start the beginning sound(s)

Think about the story and what makes sense

Go back and reread the sentence

Look for a part of the word you know

Skip the word and read on for a clue

Try a word that makes sense

Does the word look right that you said

Self-correct when you have made an error

 

HOW A PARENT CAN SUPPORT THEIR CHILD'S LITERACY

Can We Talk About The Story?

When you see the cover/title, start a conversation.  For example, "Oh, look at the dog.  He looks naughty.  Remember when Fido used to chew on our shoes?  Do you remember what we had to do?" 

 

If your child stops in the middle of their reading to say what may sound like an off-topic remark, give them a chance.  Many times what the child is reading will remind them of something from their own life. ("Just like when we had to take Fido to dog school.") 

 

When children make connections from their reading to their lives, it shows that they are making meaning.  This is a great thing! 

 

Remember, the child who can't carry on a conversation about their reading probably didn't understand what they read!

 

WHEN YOUR CHILD FINISHES READING THE BOOK, CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION.  YOU COULD ASK QUESTIONS LIKE:

"What was your favorite part?"  OR

"Does that story remind you of our family?"  OR

"What would you do if you were the dog's owner?" 

 

Don't worry if your child finds this tricky at first.  This is a tough skill to learn!  But, with your support at home, your child will show that he/she can make meaning when they are reading!

Most importantly, READ, READ, AND READ SOME MORE! You are the model the children will follow!