First grade is such a monumental year in a child's reading experience! Students will be using what they learning in kindergarten to truly read! Some will even use what they read to dig deeper and answer questions that they have about the text. Students will also begin to write more often. Here are a few tips to help you help your child at home...
Think-alouds
Think-alouds are strategies that teachers use in the classroom to verbalize what they think while they read aloud. By the time children are in first grade, they have probably experienced think-alouds at school. The teacher models how great readers construct meaning from the text. Parents can implement this strategy at home also!
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Reading & Writing
Phonics - People often confuse phonics with phonological and phonemic awareness (above). However, there is a very important difference. Phonics deals with letters! Children are seeing and working with the letters that make the sounds. By first grade, students should have a strong basis in letters and letter sounds. Therefore, they can really dive deep into phonics instruction. Understanding phonics will help your child to be a better reader and writer because they will begin to recognize common patterns in words. How can you help?
- Reach out to the teacher - Phonics is taught systematically. There is a specific order that your child's class will follow. Ask the teacher how you can help to reinforce the information at home.
- Have your child read daily - Read EVERY day. Make sure to listen to your child read each day. Be positive as your child attempts new words.
- Reread familiar books - Reading familiar books will build a deeper understanding and boost confidence in your child. The familiar books may not seem as overwhelming to young readers, but they still help to practice phonics skills!
- Read aloud - Read YOUR books or magazines out loud. When you read, be excited! Read with funny voices. Read slowly or more quickly depending on the material. If you see a phonics skill that your child has worked on in school, point it out (ex: "Oh, look! That word is bed. It has a short e sound,"). Show your young reader what great readers do!
Writing - Writing can be an eye opening beautiful experience for students, but it can also be quite stressful with others. Here is a great strategy to help your child write!
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Click on the links below for more specific first grade resources!
Chapter Book Read Alouds
Do you read aloud to your child each day? Maybe you read a short story before bedtime. This is a wonderful bonding experience for children and parents! In first grade, your child may not be able to read chapter books independently. However, this is a great time to begin introducing chapter books by reading aloud. Click the link to see a list of recommended chapter book read alouds for first graders.
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Teachers Supporting Parents
Do you ever wonder if you are doing the "right" thing with your child? Do you ever think, "Am I teaching this the way his/her teacher does? If so, then these resources (which come straight from teachers) will be perfect for you!
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{Parent Friendly} Common Core
You hear the term a lot...Common Core...but you're not quite sure what it's all about. This literacy specialist breaks it down into a few main ideas. It is parent-friendly and easy to read!
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Summer Before 2nd Grade
How will you keep your child engaged in learning during the summer? Here are some fun tips!
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