Reading Activities for the First Grade
First grade reading activities are part of a continuum that begins early and continues as the child matures. Children are presented with a wide range of reading opportunities and materials, and in the process will become independent readers. First grade reading activities will all work together to lay a successful foundation in learning to read and understanding the value of reading.
Other People Are Reading
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Balanced Instruction
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Balanced instruction activities include code instruction, such as the use of phonics. Phonics knowledge helps the first grader figure out words not yet known by sight. The balanced reading program will also include a variety of reading instruction such as guided reading, shared and interactive reading and independent reading. A variety of materials are used in reading activities, including fiction and non-fiction books, thematic workbooks and books written by the children. Children are encouraged to dictate, write, illustrate and read aloud their own stories.
Teaching Instructions
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By sharing her own interests and enthusiasm in reading, the teacher will help bring children into the learning process. Children are taught reading skills in large or small groups as well as through individual instruction. Reading is teacher-directed and is connected to all areas of the curriculum.
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Reading Aloud
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Beginning readers need to practice. The first grader should be given the opportunity to read aloud for at least 10 minutes per day. Reading aloud can be done with older class buddies, volunteers or as part of a take-home reading program.
Selecting and Rereading
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The first grader should be encouraged to help select reading material to read out loud in class. Rereading books helps the first grader to become a more fluent reader. Books can be reread as often as desired through buddy reading, shared reading or in a small group reading. Rereading groups are formed to put children together at mixed or similar reading levels, and with others who share special interests and learning profiles.
Book Talk
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Book talk will help develop an interest in reading. First graders are asked questions to prompt discussion of the book that's being read. The children should be encouraged to ask their own questions as well and respond to questions from their classmates. Guided discussions help children to see how the reading relates to their lives, and to develop a deeper understanding of the characters. Children can then retell and summarize the story.
Library
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Planned time at the library is used to encourage children to browse and check out a book. This resource activity can be used to help children find books for specific information or to complete a project.
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References
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