Chapter 1: Getting Ready to Read¶
Overview¶
This foundational chapter introduces children to the world of reading by building essential pre-reading skills. Children will develop an understanding of spoken language, learn to listen carefully, and discover that printed words carry meaning.
Learning Objectives¶
By the end of this chapter, students will be able to:
- Remember: Identify that spoken words are made up of sounds
- Understand: Explain that print carries meaning
- Apply: Demonstrate proper book handling (left to right, top to bottom)
Chapter Summary¶
Getting ready to read starts with understanding that the words we speak can be written down and read. This chapter helps young learners make the connection between spoken and written language while building the listening and attention skills needed for reading success.
Concepts Covered (15)¶
| Concept | Description |
|---|---|
| Spoken Language | Understanding that we communicate through words |
| Listening | Paying attention to sounds and words |
| Sounds | Recognizing that language is made of sounds |
| Speech | Understanding how we make sounds with our mouths |
| Words | Learning that speech is organized into words |
| Print Awareness | Knowing that print carries meaning |
| Book Concepts | Understanding how books work |
| Page | Learning about pages in a book |
| Left-to-Right | Reading direction in English |
| Top-to-Bottom | Reading from top to bottom of page |
| Letter Concept | Understanding that words are made of letters |
| Alphabet | The set of all letters |
| Letter Names | Each letter has a name |
| Letter Order | Letters go in ABC order |
| Letter Shapes | Each letter has a unique shape |
Key Vocabulary¶
- Print: Written or typed words
- Letter: A symbol that represents a sound
- Alphabet: All the letters in order (A-Z)
- Word: A group of letters that means something
Activities¶
- Story Time: Listen to a story and point to words as they are read
- Book Walk: Explore a book's cover, pages, and pictures
- Letter Hunt: Find letters in the classroom environment
- ABC Song: Sing the alphabet song together
Prerequisites¶
None - this is the starting chapter!