What can kids read in first grade?
Christopher Harper
Updated on April 02, 2026
First graders will be able to read at least 150 high-frequency words (“sight words”) by year’s end. They’ll also read grade-level books fluently and understand them.
What level should a 1st grader read?
Match students with the right material at the right time.
| Scholastic Guided Reading Level | DRA Level | |
|---|---|---|
| First Grade | G | 12 |
| H | 14 | |
| I | 16 | |
| Second Grade | E | 8 |
Can 1st graders write stories?
Children in first grade are able to write simple but complete sentences, and they are beginning to understand when to use capital letters, commas, and periods. First graders also begin to use “story language” in their own writing, for example, incorporating phrases such as “once upon a time” and “happily ever after.”
How do you teach a 1st grader to read?
7 Ways to Build a Better Reader for Grades 1-2
- Make reading part of your child’s world. Read books with her and to her, aiming for a total of 30 minutes of book-sharing time each day.
- Take turns.
- Ask deeper questions.
- Be patient.
- Help her when she needs it.
- Read different-level books.
- Praise her.
What is a good first grade story for kids?
A world of creativity is opened up in this memorable story about overcoming a fear of failure. A story about a sheep who goes to extraordinary lengths to get to sleep, by going outside and counting everything he meets. A great story for developing math and memory skills. Ideal for children struggling to read in first grade.
What level do the stories start at?
The stories start at Level 1 with just the word I and the number 1. New vocabulary words are added with each new level. A picture of the word is provided if that particular word in the story is not in that level’s vocabulary list. The story levels go along well with the lessons found in the excellent first grade reading…
What is a beginning reader story?
Beginning Reader Stories. Beginning Reader Stories are simple to use. The stories start at Level 1 with just the word I and the number 1. New vocabulary words are added with each new level. A picture of the word is provided if that particular word in the story is not in that level’s vocabulary list.
What is the best online reading program for first grade?
The story levels go along well with the lessons found in the excellent first grade reading program called Read Well by Voyager Sopris Learning. The stories can be read online using a computer, tablet, or smart phone. You can also download any of the stories or story collections.
