A+ Readers: English Language Arts First Grade Full Curriculum Part 1
This is PART 1 of a year-long program designed to build a strong reading and writing foundation for your child. Using fun and engaging stories, I will introduce key literacy skills that will help your child become a confident reader.
What's included
24 live meetings
20 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Learning to read and spell requires daily practice. It is like taking vitamins. You need to take one vitamin a day. You can't forget to take it for five days and then suddenly take 5 vitamins in one day. You need to practice reading and writing every day. I will be assigning worksheets and games to play to support the development of fluency in reading and spelling.Letter Grade
Please inform me at the beginning of the year if you wish your child to earn a letter grade. The basis of the letter grade will be your child's performance in class quizzes and trimestral assessments. Here are the equivalents: A+ (97–100), A (93–96), A- (90–92), B+ (87–89), B (83–86), B- (80–82), C+ (77–79), C (73–76), C- (70–72), D+ (67–69), D (65–66), D- (below 65).Certificate of Completion
includedClass Experience
US Grade 1
Beginner Level
Welcome to A+ Readers First Grade English Language Arts Program - PART 1 I am excited to offer a full-year program designed to give your child a strong foundation in reading and writing, of which this class is the first part. Guided by the latest research on how children learn to read, this program blends fun and engaging stories with key literacy activities. What to Expect: Each class starts with a captivating story chosen to spark your child's imagination. From there, we dive into a variety of activities that help build important reading skills: 1. Sound Play: We'll play with sounds in words, helping your child learn to recognize and use them—an essential step in learning to read. 2. Phonics Fun: Your child will learn how letters match up with sounds, giving them the tools to read and spell words on their own. 3. Sight Words: We'll practice those tricky, high-frequency words that pop up often in reading. Your child will learn to recognize them instantly. 4. New Words: Each story brings new vocabulary. We'll explore these words together, making sure your child knows how to use them. 5. Listening and Understanding: Through stories and discussions, your child will develop the skills to understand and think about what they hear—important for good reading comprehension. 6. Thinking Skills: We’ll encourage your child to think deeply about the stories, asking questions that make them predict, infer, and evaluate what happens. 7. Grammar and Word Attack: We'll introduce basic grammar and strategies for figuring out tricky words, helping your child understand how sentences work. 8. Spelling Practice: Your child will connect sounds to spellings, which is key to becoming a fluent reader. 9. Writing: From learning how to form letters to expressing their own ideas, your child will develop writing skills that support their reading progress. By the end of the trimester, your child will have accomplished their first steps to becoming a confident, fluent reader, ready to take on new literacy challenges and embark on a lifetime of learning! Please continue to the next course, A+ Readers First Grade English Language Arts Program - PART 2
Learning Goals
Build strong reading skills, from recognizing sounds to decoding words.Expand your child’s vocabulary and ability to understand what they hear and read.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)24 Lessons
over 12 WeeksLesson 1:
Hello!
Today, we’ll have fun getting to know each other! We'll share our names, favorite colors, what we like to do for fun, and something we’re really good at. We’ll also talk about our class rules. 50 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 2:
My Favorite Things
Nouns
Short a with final t
Identifying the main character: Who is in the story? 50 mins online live lesson
1 assignment
Lesson 3:
My Family
Proper nouns and common nouns
Short a with final n, m, d, t
Noting details of the main characters in the story 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Our Pets
Proper nouns and common nouns
Short a with final n, m, d, t
Noting details of the main characters in the story 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
Dyslexia: I use a multi-sensory approach during phonics and spelling instruction based on the Slingerland Method, which is based on the Orton-Gillingham Method. This approach has been proven successful with students with dyslexia.
Parental Guidance
As we incorporate a few web applications into our learning, it's important to note that these are all COPPA and FERPA-compliant, ensuring the safety and privacy of your child's online activities. Your guidance in this regard is crucial.
I have an educator's account on Brainzy, a platform for reading games and activities, and Epic, an online library. Your child will receive a secure link with a username and password for each. Your child can access Brainzy and Epic on a computer, but apps are available to download for tablet use. These platforms offer a rich learning experience, and you can monitor your child's progress within the account.
I might use IXL for drills and exercises, depending on the class. It is also COPPA and FERPA-compliant. I will give your child a link with a username and password. Your child can work on the computer. If you have a tablet, there is also an IXL app.
Pre-Requisites
Learners should know all, if not most, of the alphabet names and sounds.
Joined May, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
Doctoral Degree in Education from University of Cincinnati
Hello! I'm thrilled to be your child's teacher this year. With 30 years of experience in education, I have a deep passion for helping young learners thrive. I hold a master's degree in reading education and a doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction. Over the years, I've taught everything from Kindergarten to postgraduate courses. I have specialized in working with students with dyslexia using proven methods. I love teaching young children and am excited to see your child's bright mind in action as they grow and learn this year!Reviews
Live Group Course
$33
weekly or $390 for 24 classes2x per week, 12 weeks
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 6-7
2-6 learners per class
