How to build writing and reading skill:

Building reading skills is an essential part of a first grader’s learning process and academic success down the road. Even when students are not specifically learning “reading,” they are constantly using this skill to learn other subjects—which is why it’s crucial for your child’s success in all subjects. As first graders develop their reading comprehension, they will talk more about certain topics and gain a deeper understanding of what they read.

To build their reading skills, your first grader:

• Recognizes the features of a sentence (for example: first words, capitalization, and ending punctuation).
• Recognizes the spelling and sound of two letters that represent one sound, such as th, ch, wh (these are also known as digraphs).
• Learns to read regularly spelled one-syllable words.
• Understands how an “e” at the end of a word changes a vowel within the word.
• Breaks up longer words into syllables in order to read them.
• Reads grade-level words that have “irregular” spellings.
• Knows the difference between and reads fiction texts and non-fiction texts with purpose and an understanding of the plot and important ideas and characters.
• Talks about and answers questions about the text they read.
• Reads texts aloud at an appropriate speed and with expression.
• Compares different characters, events, or texts.
• Understands the purpose of and uses common features in a book, such as headings, tables of contents, and glossaries.
• Begins to read grade-appropriate poetry and identifies words and phrases that relate to emotions and the senses.