As they move through formal schooling, students must gain control over the many conventions of standard English grammar, usage, and mechanics. They must also learn various ways to convey meaning effectively. Language standards include the rules of standard
written and spoken English as well as the use of language as craft and informed choice among alternatives. The vocabulary standards focus on understanding words and phrases (their relationships and nuances) and acquiring new academic and domain-specific
vocabulary.
English grammar conventions, knowledge of language, and vocabulary extend across reading, writing, speaking, and listening and, in fact, are inseparable from these contexts. As students grow in their understanding of patterns of English grammar, they
can use this knowledge to make more purposeful and effective choices in their writing and speaking and more accurate and rich interpretations in their speaking and listening.
First grade students continue learn to write upper and lower case letters and when to use capital letters in writing. They also learn about how to use basic punctuation marks, and how to use singular and plural nouns, and verbs in the past, present and
future tense.
How to help your child with the standards in the Language Strand:
Engage your child in conversations every day. If possible, include new and interesting words in your conversation.
Read to your child each day. When the book contains a new or interesting word, pause and define the word for your child. After you're done reading, engage your child in a conversation about the book.
Help build word knowledge by classifying and grouping objects or pictures while naming them.
Help build your child's understanding of language by playing verbal games and telling jokes and stories.
Encourage your child to read on his own. The more children read, the more words they encounter and learn.
Encourage your child to write at home. In first grade students will be using their knowledge of phonics and sight vocabulary (I, and, said, to). You may see your child using inventive spelling (dnosr for dinosaur).
Keep encouraging your child to write the sounds he/she hears in words so they feel confident in figuring out how to write and spell words.
Strands are larger groups of related standards. The Strand Grade is a calculation of all the related standards. Click on the standard name below each strand to access the learning targets and proficiency scales for
each strand's related standards.
Grade 1
