The first grade Reading and Language Arts program is based on the Reader's and Writer's Workshop Framework. Using resources such as Good Habits, Good Readers, Words Their Way, Units of Study by Lucy Caukins, Fundations, Orton Gillingham and many others, we are able to provide students with opportunities in whole group, shared groups, guided practice and independent work to differentiate to meet the needs of all students.
Spelling and vocabulary are integrated with the weekly reading and writing selections. Sound/ letter relationships, word generalizations, and word analysis are key spelling focal points. Word patterns, sight words, and vocabulary words are included on weekly spelling tests. Vocabulary is also assessed on a quarterly basis.
Grammar and phonics lessons are provided by daily sound and word reviews and daily writing activities. Letter recognition, blends, rhymes, and consonant and vowel patterns are taught throughout the year. Students should be able to recognize types of sentences and decide whether a sentence is complete or incomplete. Basic sentence structure as well as recognition of common, proper, singular, plural and possessive nouns is also covered. Phonemic awareness (recognizing specific sounds in words) is an ongoing process during the year.
All of the skills involved in a Reading and Language Arts curriculum are focused on helping students become strong independent readers and writers. It is the role of the first grade teacher to assess prior knowledge and help each child choose the best strategies to increase reading comprehension. Students learn to make and revise predictions, analyze story elements, identify main ideas and supporting details and categorize and sequence story information. Many readers will also be able to analyze the author's purpose and point of view.
Reading programs in our first grade classrooms include teacher directed large and small group instruction with common reading books. Independent reading is encouraged with the use of trade books and books chosen by the students. Leaving first grade as a confident reader is the goal for every child by every teacher.
Our writing lessons incorporates components of the "Collins Writing Program" which is a progressive approach to writing instruction as well as infusion using Fundations and explicit instruction in handwriting using Zaner-Bloser. Students are introduced to each writing skill and practice applying the skill often. Students are held accountable for mastery of each skill as each skill has a specific focus correction area that is displayed in the form of an icon on the writing paper. There is no confusion as to what is expected or required in each writing sample. Students begin to self and peer edit, as the expectation is clear as to what each writing assignment should include.
Our language lessons evolve to include Learning Labs, center activities, technology and daily journal writing. All of the elements of good readers and independent workers come together as our students grow confident in their reading and writing abilities.