Students learn a great deal of new phonics rules to assist in decoding words when reading and spelling words when writing. Our first graders work with the FUNdations program, which breaks down sounds and word parts in words. This curriculum is very different than what students used in Kindergarten. Students will experience a lot of structure and repetition, which will help progress many students with their reading skills. In September, we will begin the year by reviewing what was learned in Kindergarten (letter sounds and formation).
Reader's Workshop In first grade, we use the Lucy Calkins' Reading Workshop curriculum to encourage good reading habits among students. We will also be helping to build student stamina when reading. Students will participate in independent reading and small groups to improve their reading skills. We will also be teaching reading comprehension strategies that help students become more aware of their thinking, rather than their fluency.
Trick Words Last year, students were expected to learn their word wall words. These words are also known as sight words, or words that students should be able to recognize and read at first sight. They are not easy to decode, so these are words that students are able to read when they see them repeatedly. What is most difficult for first graders is spelling these words. So not only should students be practicing reading them aloud, but they should also be practicing the spelling of these words. Here are all of the words first graders must know by the end of first grade.
First Grade Sight Words
the
a
and
is
his
of
as
has
to
into
we
he
she
be
me
for
or
you
your
I
they
was
one
said
have
from
do
does
were
are
who
what
when
where
there
here
why
by
my
try
put
two
too
very
also
some
come
would
could
should
her
over
number
say
says
see
between
each
any
many
how
now
down
out
about
our
friend
another
none
nothing
people
month
little
been
own
want
Mr.
Mrs.
Ms.
work
word
write
being
their
first
look
good
new
water
called
day
may
way
Writing
Writer's Workshop This year first graders will be doing a great deal of writing. We use the Lucy Calkins Writer's Workshop program. We will be covering 4 major areas of writing this year, which is a great deal different than what students experienced in Kindergarten. We will be learning to write narratives, opinion pieces, nonfiction pieces, fiction pieces, and poetry. We will cover what each of these areas look like during our Curriculum Night. Students will also be learning a lot about different writing techniques in order to make their writing more exciting and appealing to readers.