Supplemental Literacy Activities for First Graders
Why is it that when district gives you literacy curriculum, it feels like they give you too much yet not enough all at the same time? I personally think it’s because each curriculum is written with a “one size fits all” approach when it comes to student learning styles. Not enough curriculums come with engaging, hands-on activities and resources that allow students to apply and practice what they have learned from those lessons. I’ve spent tons of time creating resources that were more appropriate for busy little hands and I’m sharing a few of my favorite low-prep options below!
These passages include over 150 phonics decodable comprehension pages that follow a strict scope and sequence (based on UFLI scope). These passages are truly decodable- no more wondering why there are rogue “r-controlled vowel” words in a “short vowel” passage.
This writing center is easy to stock and allows students to practice various types of writing (narratives, opinion, procedural, etc.).
This is a student favorite. An easy print and go game (with black and white option to save ink) that allows students to practice reading tons of phonics skills.
This one is such good practice in small groups or as independent practice. This resource really forces students to decode and look at all of the letters in the word instead of just guessing the word based off of the first letter.
Have students practice phonics skills while working with play-doh. The hands-on component is great for fidgety firsties.
Whatever phonics skill (or word lists) you’re working on, these pages can be used as practice. Students love these pages because they are fun and teachers love them because you just print them and GO.
Syntax is a piece of the reading puzzle that often gets overlooked. Understanding sentence structure is a huge component of early reading. This syntax practice center is completely decodable and follows a strict phonics scope and sequence so that students are always able to decode the words after the particular skill has been taught.
Over 7000 teachers are using these phonics crafts in their classrooms. As you introduce phonics skills, students complete the fun craft that accompanies the skill to help them apply the skill they have learned. Includes craft and sentence writing extension activity.
Students get REALLY excited about this one as I change it out with each holiday. Choose the phonics pattern you are learning about in class, then “hide” the words in a holiday themed sensory bin for students to find, read, sort, and record. Lots of holidays are included in this bundle.
Phonics sorts are such good word work independent practice, but I love for them to be differentiated. This pack includes tons of phonics skills and is differentiated into three categories: sort photos, sort words with photos, and sort words alone. This format helps students who cannot read yet, those that need support, and those that can completely decode.
Decodable handwriting practice that also serves as reading fluency practice? Yes please! This resource follows a phonics scope and sequence that makes sense for early readers (UFLI based).
These mini student sound walls are used in small groups, and are kept in student desks so that they can have access to lots of phonics help when they need it.
These print and go graphic story organizers can be used with any story, and there are tons of options. Each organizer includes an option for the use of handwriting lines for writers, and an option for the use of blank boxes for pre-writers.
Let me know if you end up using any of these supplemental resources in your classroom. I would love to know how they are working out for you and your learning littles!
