May 13 - 17, 2024

Hello, Grade 1 Families, 

Learning Intention: I can blend sounds in words with speed and accuracy to decode unfamiliar words. I can read phrases smoothly taking punctuation into consideration. I can read texts aloud, with appropriate expression. 

As we move through the year, learning to read is changing. We began by identifying letters and sounds. Next, we learned how to decode CVC words by segmenting the sounds and blending them back together like a slide. Now that we are reading words with many sounds and many students are decoding words automatically, we are focusing on reading with fluency. This means we are looking at speed and accuracy to ensure we are decoding accurately and not changing sounds and reading in phrases so we don't sound like a robot when we read. Students notice punctuation and are beginning to change their voice intonation to reflect it. To work on fluency, we have been reading poems out loud. We begin by listening to me model fluent reading and helping decode unfamiliar words. Then we echo read (I read and students repeat) and then move to choral reading (we read together at a fluent pace). We also annotate the poem to show what we notice about it. For example, we have noticed punctuation, digraphs, and r-controlled vowels. Lastly, students partner up, practice their poem, and then present it to the class. When your child reads with you at home, please have them read the decodable book or whatever book they are reading to you, at least three times as this helps build fluency. We are aiming to have at least 95% of words read accurately. 

Enjoy your long weekend!