In our First Grade classroom we use a combination of a few different programs and several strategies to aide in the teaching of 'good' reading.

Saxon Phonics 

Harcourt Collections

Daily Five

Accelerated Reader (AR)

Sight Words

Fluency in reading, is the rate and flow of good reading. Good readers tend to be able to read words quickly. They also have a smooth flow to their reading. They pause at commas, and notice end marks. They read with expression. In the state of Washington, First Graders are expected to end the year being able to read between 60-65 words or more, per minute, at a level of 1.5. Fluency is gained by practice reading. Learning to memorize basic words by sight is also key to fluency. Having to sound out numerous words will slow a reader. 

Timed Readings