Reading
Word Work
- During Shared Reading, a variety of enlarged texts are used. These may include big books, pocket charts, or poems. This instruction provides the children with explicit demonstration of reading strategies, builds a sense of story, and provides support from the group.
- During Guided Reading, students meet in small groups for focused comprehension and reading strategy instruction. Each reading lesson is based on the needs of the children in the group. Groups are flexible and are based on the changing needs of each child.
- During Independent Reading, the students practice and apply new strategies they have learned during shared and guided reading. The students will also have opportunities to confer individually with teachers for targeted instruction based on individual needs.
Writing - During Shared Writing, the children work together to compose a piece of writing, including messages, stories, and observations. We emphasize how good writers best express their ideas. We also emphasize the importance of communicating ideas clearly by using the traits and conventions of good writing.
- During Guided Writing, students meet with their teacher for individualized instruction as part of a writing conference. At this time, the students are supported as they further develop a piece of writing. Individual needs and strengths guide the conference.
- During Independent Writing, students write about topics of their choice. At this time, they will be expected to apply the traits of good writing that they have learned during shared and guided writing.
In first grade, we will focus on the following kinds of writing: narrative writing, informational writing, poetry, and opinion/review writing. Neat handwriting and the use of punctuation and correct grammar are also skills practiced at this time.
Word Work
- Each classroom has a Word Wall which includes the most commonly used first grade words. New words are added to the wall on a weekly basis. The children practice the words in a variety of ways and use the word wall as a resource during independent writing. As the year progresses, the children are expected to read, write, and spell these words correctly in their daily writing.
- During Phonics Instruction, we focus on word concepts that will help the children to develop both decoding and spelling strategies. Students will learn about letter/sound relationships, spelling patterns, and vocabulary. These skills will be developed through words games, word sorts, and independent practice. As students practice and apply these important phonics skills, they will become stronger readers and writers.