Reading

Vocabulary Link
Click to see a list of all the vocabulary for "Storytown".

  Dolch Words
Click here for one of the best websites on Dolch Words. These words, along with the vocabulary, will be the words on our word wall. They need to be memorized.
     First grade is all about learning and loving to read. Our parish has adopted the Houghton Mifflin Reading series, "Storytown".  It is filled with a variety of literature, both fiction and nonfiction. Students will be exposed to reading through articles, biographies, research, narratives, poems, plays, and fantasy. This program uses five essential components for teaching reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary. All of the children explore the same theme together, but work at different leveled abilities. It includes whole group instruction and small group instruction.
      Children will read books on their individual levels in "Guided Reading" groups, conducted by me or Mrs. Cranfield. While we are working with groups, the other students will be at Literacy Centers or computers in the school's DIBELS Lab with Mrs. Mancuso, where they will practice skills on a individualized computer program, Waterford. 
1.  Literacy Centers allow the teacher to meet the needs of the children at different ability levels and with different learning styles. 
2.  They provide activities for self directed practice and learning. 
3.  They allow children to practice working independently and in cooperative groups.
Some of our Literacy Centers include:

Independent Reading - Students read independently using a variety of materials including big books, poetry, pointers, etc....


Buddy Reading - Students read a book with a partner and then write a response to the book.


Computer - We have 4 computers in our classroom and a DIBELS Computer lab where students can reinforce skills in all subject areas.  Some of our programs include Reader Rabbit, Curious George, Peter Rabbit's Garden,  and Jumpstart.


Word Work - Students make and read words using magnetic letters, games, chalkboards, wipe off boards, etc....  This is a great center to practice spelling words, handwriting, etc...

 


Writing Center - Children have opportunities to take pictures and write about them.  We also have a "pond" with 3 turtles named Coby, Toby, and Sparky and an aquarium with a goldfish named Tiger. The children can observe and write about our pets.