First Grade Reading Strategies

     The text must provide the right level of support for the children's current processing abilities.  Language and concept should be easily controlled by students.  Students should have opportunities to develop and practice reading strategies.

One-to-One Matching

     It is important that young readers establish the association between the spoken words and the printed word.  They need to be able to point to each word as they read it.  The following phrases help children:

	Read it with your finger.
	Did it match?
	Were there enough words?
	Did you run out of words?

Meaning

     It is important that students understand that we read for meaning.  The following prompts help children make sense of what they read:

	Did what you read make sense?
	Look at the picture.
	Start that sentence once again.

Self-Correction

     Children need to learn self-correcting strategies.  Parents and teachers may help by suggesting the following:

	Look at the picture for clues.
	Get your mouth ready.
	Look at the beginning and ending sounds.
	Look for a chunk in the word.
	Stretch the sounds.
	Think about what would make sense.
	Think about what has happened in the story so far that would help you.
	Go back and get a running start.
	Reread for meaning.
	Does it look right?
	Does it sound right?
	Does it make sense?

Parents 

When your children read:  PRAISE, PRAISE, PRAISE, your children everyday!

Suggested Books for First Grade

Children	Parents/Teachers