English Language Arts

Language Arts is the name given to the study and improvement of language and communication. English Language Arts (ELA) refer to as English grammar, reading and writing. First-grade ELA curriculum is built on the skills children have learned by the end of SKG. In grade 1 they will enhance their reading skills, master grade level grammar concepts and write complete sentences to present their complex thoughts.

Phonics and Phonemic Awareness

Phonics instruction helps children learn the relationships between the letters of written language and the sounds of spoken language. By the end of first grade, a child should be able to:

Recognize digraphs

Ex. sh, ph, th, ch, and ea

Recognize sound blends

Ex. fl, tr, sl, sm, sn, bl, gr, and str

Recognize diphthongs

Ex. oi, oy, ou, and ow

Pronounce word endings

in -ed, -s, and -ing

Create group of rhyming words

Ex. "cat," "sat," "hat," and "mat"

Count the number of syllables in words

Spelling Skills

The first grader will develop a command of standard English by understanding the spelling rules by which sounds are formed. By the end of the first grade, a child should be able to:

Spell three- and four-letter words

Identify and create contractions

Spell words with specific rules

Recognize compound words

Alphabetize words

Reading Skills

The first-grade student will develop the comprehension skills needed to derive meaning or context from what is being read. By the end of the school year, the child should be able to:

Use strategies to decipher the meanings of words

Recognize types of sentences including statements, questions, and commands

Identify the parts of speech such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and pronouns

Recognize the beginning, middle, and end of a story

Recognize a variety of narrative genres such as fiction, non-fiction, or poetry

Describe the characters and settings of a story

Be able to retell a story after reading it

Be able to predict events in a story

Be able to infer meaning from text and pictures

Make a connection between one's self and the text being read

Read grade level (16) books other than the textbooks.

.

Writing and Grammar Skills

Writing skills are foundational to understanding how words and sentences can clearly communicate actions, concepts, and instructions in an organized way. By the end of the school year, a first grader should be able to:

Form letters correctly with a pencil
Spell words correctly
Understand basic sentence structure
Understand the rules of capitalization

Know how to end a sentence with the appropriate punctuation
Write a sentence for a specific purpose
Use descriptive words
Use transitional words to show the sequence of events such as "after," "next," or "finally"