As students are becoming more skilled readers, their confidence and love for reading is increasing as well. First graders are now reading much more complex texts than they were able to read at the beginning of the year. Students are starting to need less support to figure out tricky words, and are now able to easily identify a book at their reading level. `
We have recently begun practicing independent reading in class. Students select a book that is appropriate for their reading level and interests them, and then read independently for 15 to 20 minutes. Independent reading gives students the chance to practice strategies they’ve learned through guided reading, teacher read alouds, and class lessons. It also helps them build their reading confidence and their love of reading! Some class favorites right now include the Magic Treehouse series, Amelia Bedelia, and nonfiction books about animals. Ask your child what their favorite book is that they’ve been reading lately!