Common Core: 1st Grade English Language Arts

This subject covers foundational skills in reading, writing, and language for first graders, aligning with Common Core standards.

Basic Concepts

Phonics and Word Recognition

Learning to Read Words

Phonics is the key to unlocking the world of reading! In first grade, you'll learn how letters and sounds work together to form words. By understanding different letter patterns and their sounds, you will become a confident reader.

Sounding Out Words

When you see a word, you can break it down into its letter sounds. For example, the word cat is made up of the sounds /c/, /a/, and /t/. Blending these sounds together helps you read the whole word.

Word Families

Some words have similar endings, like hat, bat, and mat. These are called word families, and they make it easier to read new words by recognizing familiar patterns.

Sight Words

Some words don’t follow the usual rules, like the or said. These are called sight words. You’ll practice these so you can read them quickly without sounding them out.

Why It Matters

Knowing phonics helps you read signs, books, and even labels at the store. It’s the first step to becoming a super reader!

Examples

  • Reading the word 'dog' by blending the sounds /d/, /o/, and /g/.

  • Seeing the word 'run' and knowing it rhymes with 'fun'.

In a Nutshell

Phonics helps you read by matching letters to their sounds and recognizing common word patterns.

Key Terms

Phonics
A method of teaching reading by learning the sounds that letters make.
Sight Words
Common words that are recognized instantly without sounding them out.