1st Grade Reading Activities
First grade is a year of firsts: your child's first full day of school, the first time she'll write a small story herself, and the first time she'll read a complete book cover to cover. We've got dozens of wacky reading and math activities, cool science experiments, and indoor and outdoor games to keep the learning fun.
Make a Scramble Book for Literacy Learning
This goofy scramble book activity will bring laughs...but also develop some solid comprehension skills too!
Wall of Fame: Make a Reading "Star Chart"
No, this activity isn't about astrology...but it's a great way to propel first grade readers forward. Here is a way to keep track of books your child has read, mark the achievement of reading them, and most importantly, step back and think: which ones were really, really great?
Questions, Questions, Ask Away!
Want to be sure your young reader is really following a story? Try this simple activity to stimulate some very complex thinking.
What Happens Next?: Create Story Sequencing Cards
Sequencing is important to academic success and logical thinking. Want to help your child practice this important skill? Here's an at-home activity to help her develop this ability by making simple story cards.
Make a Statue of Liberty Crown
In first grade, most students learn about our fundamental definitions of law and government. Try this fun craft to explore it all, and learn about our Statue of Liberty, too!
Practice Writing with Monster Markings
Give your first grader some extra practice in reading and writing with these "monster marking" riddles!
Play Digraph Lotto!
"Digraphs" are letter pairs that, together, make only one sound...like "sh," "ch," and "th." Take your first grader on a hunt for digraph words and turn it into a fun game afterward.
Pin the Tail on the Silent E Word!
Stick a silent "e" on the end of "hop," or "dim," or a host of other short words, and what a change! Help your first grader manage this brain stretch with this active, practical game.
Let's Play Story Time!
In this activity, your child plans the story time, makes a flyer to invite friends, creates a coloring sheet for the guests to color, and performs the story time. Your child is sure to have a great time and remember this activity for many years to come.
Make a "Today Is" Poster
During first grade, your child will learn to read the days of the week and months of the year. In this activity, your child practices calendar skills, observe the weather and learns to read calendar words.
