~ Isabel Chen
English Teacher
~ Isabel Chen
English Teacher
Embedded Files
English Teacher
Imagine your first grader standing on the edge of a great, unexplored library, ready for an adventure. In first grade, our students don't just learn to read words. They become Reading Rookies: new explorers charting the vast territory of literacy. This project teaches them how to confidently navigate the library and successfully share their discoveries with classmates.
Our project goal was two-fold: first, to establish the confidence and skills necessary for each child to independently select and read appropriate books. Second, to foster an environment where reading is celebrated!
Choose Your Own Adventure
Just like an explorer learns to use a map and compass, our students started their journey by learning how to select books based on their readability and comprehension. We moved beyond simply picking what looks fun to ensuring the book is a "just right" fit. That means it needs to be challenging enough to help students grow, but not so difficult that it causes frustration.
To help them make this critical choice, students learned self-feedback techniques. They practiced the Five-Finger Rule—a quick check of unknown words to gauge a book's difficulty. They also practiced reviewing story elements, pausing to ask, "Do I understand what just happened?" Finally, they learned to take an Accelerated Reader quiz to confirm their comprehension. These techniques empower students to truly control their own reading journey and choose an adventure they can successfully complete.
The Big Discovery
The moment of discovery is the ultimate reward for any explorer. By visiting the library, taking a Star Reading test, and with a little help from adults, each child found the reading level that is right for them. On the way, many students discovered popular series where familiar characters and settings fuel their desire to read the next book. Most importantly, every student discovered something invaluable: their own confidence to read independently. They no longer wait for a guide; they now turn each page knowing they possess the ability to read, understand, and enjoy reading on their own terms.
A Culture of Reading
Reading is an adventure best enjoyed with others. Our first graders discovered more by talking about books and enthusiastically sharing stories with their peers. They began to see each other not just as friends and playmates, but as trusted reading partners who can recommend titles and explain plots.
Each student wrote a book report to present to the class. Following their presentations, each student chose some of their classmate's recommended books to try reading on their own. This created a powerful culture of reading here at Kang Chiao. We invite you to check out some examples of student work and recommendations below!
Pete the Cat’s Groovy Imagination
By Kimberly & James Dean
Zachary Kuo 郭家安 105
Pete finds a cardboard box to make a cat, stage, board rocket, car, submarine. He uses his imagination to play in cool places. If you like making things from a cardboard box, you will like this book.
Little Lizard’s New Bike
by Melinda Melton Crow
Jocelyn Wang 王玧喬 106
Gary goes to the bike store. He buys the red bike. He says the red bike is so cool. If you like bikes and fun stories, you will like this book.
Lost and Found
By Lana Jacobs
Elly Chao 趙宥甯 107
Strawberry lost her dog and cat. Strawberry and her friends look for the cat and dog. They find the cat and dog. My favorite part is when they go to the shop.
Biscuit and the Lost Teddy Bear
By Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Lucy Kuo 郭星璐 107
The boy lost his Teddy bear. The girl found the Teddy bear. The girl asks Puddles, “Is this your bear?” It was not Puddles’s. The girl asks a boy, “Is this your bear?” The bear is the boy’s.
Mermaid Midfielders
by Elizabeth Pagel
Janice Tang 湯庭禹 107
There is a little girl named Megan. She likes to play soccer. A mermaid comes out. She asks, “Do you want to play soccer?” Megan and the mermaid beat the whales.
Biscuit in the Garden
By Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Yun Lin 林沁昀 108
The little girl’s garden is full of things. Biscuit found a butterfly and a worm. Biscuit spills all the bird seed. Finally, Biscuit sees all the birds eating the bird seed.
The Smartest GIANT in Town
By Julia Donaldson
Ava Chou 周瑜心 108
George was a giant in town. He always gave people his things so he doesn’t have his own things. All of the animals gave George a new crown and a card. George read it. He read “your tie is a scarf for a cold giraffe. Your shirt is on a boat sail for me. Your shoes are good for a little mouse.” Here is a crown from the people you helped, because we didn’t have these things and you gave us.
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