A first-grade reader should be steadily developing his reading comprehension skills. He should read first-grade level books aloud and understand what they mean, and he should be able to read and understand simple written instructions. A first grader should be developing an ability to describe what he is learning from a book. It is also important that he can give reasons for reading books, such as for entertainment, to learn or to follow directions.
A first-grade reader should be able to recognize the parts of books, including the table of contents, cover, spine and title page. She should also know basic grammar elements, such as punctuation and the beginning and ending of sentences. A first-grader should recognize all the letters of the alphabet and know the difference between letters and words.
A first grader should recognize basic elements found in literature, such as the central characters, setting and main ideas. He should notice cause and effect and sequences in stories, as well as predict what will happen next in the books and stories he reads. A first grader should be able to tell the difference between fiction and nonfiction books.
Questioning what you read is an important learning skill that has lifelong benefits, and many children begin to develop this ability in first grade. A first grader should notice when she is having problems understanding something she is reading. She should ask her teacher and parents questions about books and stories. If a child can ask questions and learn to solve reading problems, she will be on her way to becoming a strong reader.