1ST GRADE
In 1st grade, children learn skills that allow them to do more reading and writing on their own. They will have a big focus on phonics, where they learn how different spellings connect to sounds in words. Regular reading practice helps them read more smoothly, build confidence, and prepare for more challenging books later on. They will continue to listen to stories read aloud to grow their comprehension, vocabulary, and knowledge about the word.
Explore this page for grade-level goals, activities, and resources!
Language
Spoken language is the foundation of all literacy and is one of the easiest areas to develop at home through experiences and conversations.
END OF 1ST GRADE GOALS
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Use new words that they learn from reading and discussion. Connect new words to real-life experiences.
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In conversations with adults and peers, stay on a topic, express their ideas, and respond to what others say.
TOP TIPS TO HELP AT HOME
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Talk all the time! Engage in back-and-forth conversations as much as you can.
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Use big words, sentences, and ideas to help your child learn complex language.
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Expose your child to new vocabulary through books and other educational content.
ACTIVITIES
Family Literacy Activities
RESOURCES
Reading 101 for Parents
Articles
Learning to Read
First graders are learning to read and sound out more words by developing their phonics knowledge (knowing how letters connect to sounds) and starting to work on fluency (reading automatically and smoothly).
END OF 1ST GRADE GOALS
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Read one-syllable words with long and short vowels (e.g. flat, ship, rope)
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Read simple two syllable words (e.g. picnic, tunnel, upset)
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Accurately read grade-level texts at a comfortable pace and with expression.
TOP TIPS TO HELP AT HOME
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Talk to your child’s teacher about the phonics skills they are learning in school, so you can practice the same skills at home.
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Practice with simple texts made for beginning readers. Decodable texts are specially written so beginning readers will be able to sound out the words. Ask your child’s teacher if they can share texts that go with what they are learning at school!
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Read the same text out loud multiple times to help your child develop fluency.
ACTIVITIES
Family Literacy Activities
Phonics Learning Apps
RESOURCES
Decodable Texts for Reading Practice
Reading 101 for Parents
Reading Together
Although first graders are starting to read on their own, they will practice reading comprehension (understanding what is read) mostly by listening to books that are read to them by an adult.
END OF 1ST GRADE GOALS
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Retell stories, including important details, and explain the main message or lesson.
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Name the main topic of an informational book and retell details learned from the book.Talk about who is in a story (characters), where it happens (setting), and what takes place (events).
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Listen to an informational book and talk about what the book is about and some details that they learned.
TOP TIPS TO HELP AT HOME
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Help your child develop a love of reading by making it a fun experience where they get to connect with you.
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Ask questions and have conversations about the book to help your child build their comprehension.
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Set a goal to read for 20 minutes every day! If you don’t have a habit of reading yet, start small and build up. Having a set reading time (like before bed) can help.
ACTIVITIES
Family Literacy Activities
Virtual Story Time on Demand
RESOURCES
Book Lists and Recommendations
Books For Families from Community Partners
Reading 101 for Parents
Articles
Writing
Writing can be the most challenging area of literacy because it requires children to coordinate skills like handwriting and spelling while also thinking of ideas.
END OF 1ST GRADE GOALS
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Write paragraphs for different purposes, including telling a story, sharing an opinion, or giving information.
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Write in complete sentences starting with a capital letter and ending with punctuation.
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Spell words using spelling patterns that they have learned. For example, after they learn about “ee,” they use it to spell words like keep, sleep, and feel. It is normal for 1st graders to make up spelling that they haven’t learned yet.
TOP TIPS TO HELP AT HOME
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Encourage your child to use what they know about letters and sounds to write words. Avoid correcting too much spelling or telling them how to spell every word.
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Help your child learn how to form the letters correctly. Avoid tracing activities without adult support.
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Drawing first can help your child plan out ideas for their writing, and it makes writing time more fun!
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Celebrate all attempts at writing! Try to keep writing time enjoyable and low pressure.
ACTIVITIES
Family Literacy Activities
RESOURCES
Reading 101 for Parents
Articles