READING/LANGUAGE ARTS The reading/language arts program is designed to balance instruction in reading skills and strategies with instruction in interpretation and oral and written response to literature.  The use of a variety of fiction and nonfiction literature within the Harcourt Trophies Reading Program, as well as electronic media, helps develop in-depth understanding of topics and also helps teachers meet the diverse needs of students.

READING

First grade literature is composed of:
 poetry   fiction
 rhyme   nonfiction
         songs  

Strategies and skills incorporated in the first grade reading program include:
· developing phonemic awareness
· using word structure to decode words
· recognizing and pronouncing long and short vowels
· building sight vocabulary
· exploring main idea
· retelling a story with the correct sequence of events
· distinguishing fiction from nonfiction
· making predictions
· identifying story characters, setting and problem
· recognizing high frequency words
· recognizing authors and illustrators
· reading for a variety of purposes

WRITING

First grade students use writing to express themselves.  Students will:

· use writing across the curriculum.
· use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization and sentence structure.
· write a story about an experience.
· write for a range of purposes.

· learn and apply the writing process.

HANDWRITING

In first grade penmanship will be developed through the use of various handwriting materials.

LISTENING

First grade students listen for understanding.  Students will:
· follow directions
· listen to, ask and respond to questions.
· focus the attention on and interact with the speaker.

SPEAKING

First grade students will use language to communicate in whole and small group settings.  Students will:
· extend their vocabulary.
· present material orally.
ask questions relevant to a topic.
· participate in discussions.
· speak clearly with expression.

SPELLING

Spelling skills are integrated into the Harcourt Trophies Reading Program.  First grade students are taught a variety of spelling and phonetic patterns and high frequency words in weekly lessons.

Back to First Grade Curriculum