Summer Reading for Children: Grades 1-2

Family Literacy Ideas: Grades 1 - 2
Click here for Recommended Reading

Children come to first grade with different levels of reading ability. Some can read, some are just starting to read, and some have not yet started reading. By the end of first grade, most children will have improved their ability to read, and they will be able to summarize and answer questions about stories they read.

A first-grader’s ability to write is closely linked to his/her reading and listening experiences. Children who know stories can make up their own.

Some children are good writers when they enter first grade, while others struggle. By the end of first grade, most children will be able to communicate through their writing and drawing, making words by writing letters for the sounds they hear (called “invented spelling”).

Many second graders know the importance of reading and want to be good readers. During second grade, children enjoy hearing books with more complicated plots, and a few begin reading books divided into chapters.

Second graders’ writing begins to show personality. Many children begin to write for fun. They still use invented spelling and enjoy trying out new types of stories, sometimes imitating their favorite books or authors.

You can support literacy at home by:
Speaking and Listening

  • Talk with your child about experiences you have had.
  • Talk with your child about his/her reading and writing.
  • Encourage your child to use new words in conversations.
  • Ask your child to talk about his/her passions and interests.

Reading

  • Read with your child every day.
  • If you are more comfortable reading in another language, use books in that language or books with both English and your first language. When you share these with your child, it helps him/her learn both. You can take turns reading in each language.
  • Ask your child to tell you about the stories you are reading together. Ask him/her to predict what will happen next or what the characters might do.
  • Encourage your child to read all kinds of books (stories, picture books, poetry, true books).

Writing

  • Ask your son/daughter to write things for you, like a letter to a relative or a grocery list. Leave notes for your child and encourage him/her to write notes to you.
  • Give your child opportunities to write with different materials, including a computer, if you have access to one.

For more ideas, check out www.summerreading.org.

Excerpt from: Opening the Door to Learning: Literacy is a Family Affair, published by New Visions for Public Schools.

Recommended Reading: Grades 1 - 2
Click here for Family Literacy Ideas

Miss Nelson Is Missing!
By Harry Allard

The Velveteen Rabbit
By Margery Williams

Bianco Arthur’s Nose
By Marc Brown

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
By Virginia Lee

Burton Diary of a Worm
By Doreen Cronin

Strega Nona
By Tomie De Paola

Abuela
By Arthur Dorros

Little Toot
By Hardie Gramatky

Two of Everything: A Chinese Folktale
By Lily Toy Hong

Virgie Goes to School With Us Boys
By Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard

Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman
By Kathleen Krull

The Story of Ferdinand
By Munro

Leaf Frog and Toad Are Friends
By Arnold Lobel

Zomo the Rabbit: A Trickster Tale from West Africa
By Gerald McDermott

Excerpt from: Opening the Door to Learning: Literacy is a Family Affair,
published by New Visions for Public Schools.